Weddings

We were invited to attend a wedding in the hills of Marble Falls this past weekend.  In spite of the challenging weather forecast for a well planned outdoor venue, it was amazing to watch as God allowed time for a precious video to be played, dinner to be served and family toasts to be cheered all in the outdoor backdrop of Lake LBJ.  We had been warned on the front end, that weather was being watched carefully and to be ready, if we needed to make a move.  Within minutes following the family toasts.  the lightening began and an announcement was made that we would commence to a readied indoor facility for dessert and everyone scampered.It really made it quite fun, kind of like a progressive dinner.  I am sure, there was a little anxiousness that must have stirred within the hearts and minds of the hosts, as they were in limber mode for much of the festivities, but the joy of the celebration for the entire weekend was not diminished one bit for the guests and it didn't appear to dampen the celebrated spirits of the bride and groom. 

We can make our plans, but God has the final authority; especially seen in outdoor events when weather is involved.  But lets just talk weddings a minute. There is a great deal of preparation that goes into making the arrangements for a wedding, especially when a decision is made that it will be a destination wedding. And then the invitation list;  it can often times be the greatest challenge of all because there is usually a limited budget and limited space. Lines have to be drawn and on all most all occasions somebody will be left behind, because there has to be a cut off point. But what sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of juggling decisions is the very way that God orchestrated the meeting and courting of these two who are getting married in the first place.  Without them, there is no celebration.    

I sat in that wedding and watched the faces and listened to the pastor make his most thoughtful remarks, and was reminded that as we sat in this sacred place, we were witnessing God's handiwork in relationships; not just in the relationship of the bride and groom but of all the guests who had been united to witness this one joyful event. There were friends and family who had a vested interest in the marriage of these two, and it was only the seasons of God's timing and experiences that set apart the varied relationships that were represented by the ones who were there.  

We may not always remember how a relationship started or even when, but God, in his purposed ways is the orchestrator of a meeting of one to another.  I saw old friends that I had not seen for years, and talked to new ones who I learned had common interests. Any time God gathers people, be it a wedding of many or few, or just a surprise visit at the grocery story, there is something that usually is left behind, a memory, a pointer, a link, and maybe even a lingering word of encouragement but the older I get the more I recognize that it is not a coincidence when God lines us up one to another; it is by His means, for His purpose, and for our blessing.  

This devotional might not seem to have a lot of meat to it, but just consider a minute the many people God has put in your path, beginning with your family, your spouse, your friends and acquaintances. God connects His dots of people, strung about this whole universe.  For some of us our world is limited and for others the network is great.  But for all of us, who are paying attention, God is placing before us people who will impact us in our beliefs, in our decisions, in our trust, in our adventures and in our faithfulness etc. 

It is our choice as to whom we choose to let in or whom to avoid, but I truly believe that if we prayerfully submit to God's gentile guidance, we will be surrounded by loved ones who will render support during challenging times, wisdom in the midst of chaos, encouragement in the midst of defeat, and shared joy in celebration.  Weddings are a wonderful reminder of God's handiwork; for His love is the very foundation that strengthens all relationships, and when two are gathered in his name, as these two were, the blessing of the celebration flows on down upon the ones who have been honored to be a part of their lives and the lives of their families.

I Corinthians 13: 4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

As a concluding thought: There was one line that the pastor spoke during the ceremony that continues to be stuck in my heart. He spoke directly to Kelly, and said that her prayers would be Drew's tower of strength.  I imagined that tower, built tall, and wide and strong and thought that is not just a word for Kelly but for all of us, for our prayers do build towers of strength for whoever we are praying for. May God bless you today with a tower of His strength.  

Dear Lord, Thank you for the blessing of marriage and for gathering people together to celebrate such a joyful occasion.  May we be conscious of people who you put in our path and make the most of out of an opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and encouragement. Amen    

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!