The Wedding

Can the wedding really be over? It doesn't seem possible. How can the fruit of so much planning and preparation be over so quickly once it is unpacked into the church and hall, and set up. Centerpieces and bows, table cloths and candles, given enough thought over months of preparation that they could almost have  personalities and lives of their own. Now they sit in boxes waiting to be put away. Yards of tulle and bows shoved into bags, all tangled together - it will make me sad to throw them away. It seems like an awful lot of work for just one day, and it would be, if it were not my son's wedding day.


With the exception of the day he asked Jesus into his heart, this is the most important day of his life. That is why it will always be one of the most important in mine. That is why the bags of tulle and bows sit on my couch; the refuse of the few short hours when they made their one and only debut. That is why I would make them all again, even knowing how quickly they would be taken down and stuffed into bags. I feel this way because of what I saw on that day.


As I stood to watch the bride begin her entry up the aisle. I saw my son's face. His sparkling blue eyes fixed on her; he never looked away. In those few moments as I watched him take her hand from her father's and hold it tight in his, I knew. I knew, I saw, and I felt his love for her; it was in his eyes, his smile, his embrace. I had lost my son to another woman, and it was OK. It is the way life should be. I tried so hard not to cry, but a couple tears escaped down my cheek. I am not trying now, as I share this with you. They are tears of sadness mixed with tears of joy. The sadness of saying goodby to my little boy, and the joy of meeting the man he has become. It is God's plan and His plans for us are good.


The picture above is the bride and groom having their first dance, may it be the first of many throughout their lives together. And may those eyes so fixed on each other that day, never lose their focus, but always see the other with the love of a bride and groom; serving each other with gladness. Now, may this mom attend to some bags of tulle and bows with a thankful heart that God has increased my boarders - remembering that for every boy I "lose" I gain a daughter!

Preparing for the Wedding

Preparing for the wedding,

Tying up the bows;

Ironing white covers,

On the seats in rows.

To make it all look perfect,

For that special day;

When flower girls strow petals,

As floor length dresses sway.

It’s here before we know it,

As church seats fill with guest;

Ushers show the way,

All dressed up in their best.

Every little detail,

Planned throughout the year;

Resides within this room,

As wedding vows draw near.

All eyes are on the entrance,

Looking for the bride;

To step onto the aisle,

Her father by her side.

Both moms then stand and turn,

The guests know to arise;

To watch the bride’s grand entrance,

As tears swell in their eyes.

She’s never been more lovely,

As she is right now, this day;

In flowing gown, and flowers,

White runner leads her way.

Then all the eyes change focus,

To the one who reaches out;

And takes her from her father,

Determined, with no doubt.

They stand and face the preacher,

He describes their life to be;

How two become one flesh today,

Not “You” or “I,” but “We.”

He speaks of coming sacrifice,

Of laying down each life.

To give the other all they have,
And choose to work through strife.

Though this day seems special,

There’s one that matters more.

That future day they choose to stay,

And not walk out the door.

To serve the other’s needs,

Demanding not their own.

In selfless acts of kindness,

As seeds of love are sown.

We send them off with blessings,

No longer bride and groom.

They leave us now as man and wife,

Their normal lives resume.

All the preparations,

Are neatly packed away;

As memories now take the place,

Of plans held yesterday.

Viewing all the details,

From the other side;

I’m reminded of another day,

Another waiting bride.

When heaven’s clouds are opened,

And trumpets Sound the call;
Announcing Christ is coming back,

To gather up us all.

Those who are preparing,

For that sacred wedding day;

With oil lamps still burning,

He’ll take His bride away.

It’s not the dress she’s wearing,

That will matter most to Him;

But a garment white with righteousness,

When He saved her from her sin.

Nor will He even notice,

The fancy details made;

As He looks within her heart,

At things that cannot fade.

Has she prepared her life for Him,

Has her focus been the groom?

Has she emptied out her heart,

And given Him the room?

The wedding day gets closer,

The time is drawing near;

Will He find His bride is waiting,

For her true love to appear?

Or will she be distracted,

With all the little things;

Like dresses, bows, and flowers,

And pretty diamond rings?

The only thing that matters,

When she hears the trumpet blast;

Is knowing that she’s ready,

To go with Him at last.

Revelations: 19:6-9


6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”