Here comes the BRIDE!

Twenty one years ago, I learned that a child was on the way.  I literally could not have been more surprised. It has been an adventure, being a mother to this child of mine.  She is an unexpected blessing, a constant reminder that I am not alone in this world.  From the very first, she has been impossible to ignore, and even now, all these years later, she is never more than a text away.  She is rarely far from my thoughts, as she has wormed her way into my head and heart in a way that no one else could.  She is my child, to be sure, but she is also my friend, my partner, my team mate in life.  We have been through a lot together, she and I, and we are bound in our experience forever.  If I had to have a partner in that life, I am glad it was she.

But when you give birth, your primary goal is to prepare them for life away from you.  The umbilical cord is only the first of many cuts, as you gently shove them from your nest and into their adult lives.  They have one experience after another, each one taking them a little farther from the safety of your arms, and you watch from a distance as they work their way through their lives.

Preschool, kindergarten, first grade - all major adjustments for you both as the child of your arms becomes the child of the world.  They graduate from high school, go to college, experience a job or internship, each event a part of the adult they will become, and each one experienced on their own.

Through it all, you worry and wonder about the person that will eventually be their person, The One who will come into their life and change things forever.  You hope and pray and fret as they test the water and make mistakes and figure out what they want.  Or not.  It is a tough thing to watch your beloved child finding their way towards their future spouse, and you can only wait and wonder what it will mean for you when it happens.

Today is a day of great joy for me, because today I am delighted to know who my daughter will marry.  In her life journey, she has searched high and low, and has found the perfect man for her, the one God intended for her all along.  It is an amazing and joyful moment, to watch your child in their joy as their future becomes the present, and they look forward to a long and wonderful life together with their intended one.

We do not know what life will throw our way.  There are no guarantees, even for today.  But when we prayerfully face the future with God as our guide, we will have everything we need.

And now, some parental advice!  (You knew it was coming!)

A marriage is not a sprint to the wedding, it is a marathon to the end of your lives.  Stay focused on what really matters, and short term problems will be manageable.

Most importantly, keep God at the center of your lives and your marriage, and you will not falter.  Surround yourselves with other Godly couples, and you will be uplifted in your own marriage.  Pray daily for each other, and communicate both when you are unhappy and when you are happy.  Don't forget to smile and tell each other how much you love each other, and how blessed you are to have each other.

You are fortunate to have parents who love you and honor you both.  We know a lot more about life and love and marriage and failure than you do.  Take advantage of our wisdom and experience, both good and bad, because we have been where you are, and have the benefit of perspective.

Finally, never forget the power of grace and redemption.  Everyone makes mistakes.  God gave up his son for us, forgiveness is the least you can do for each other.

Congratulations to my very special daughter and my future son-in-law.  I wish you all the love and blessings that life can offer.  I could not be happier that you have found each other, and I am overjoyed at the one God has chosen for each of you.

Many years ago, I found a verse that has uplifted me in good times and bad, and I share it with you today, because it seems appropriate for the day.

"This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  Psalm 118:24

Joyfully celebrating with you on this very special day, and looking forward to many more happy celebrations to come!