Five weeks ago my son’s life changed forever. He took a wife, committed himself to loving and serving another human being…above himself, as a service to the God who created them both.
Months of planning came together the morning of September 7th, as we gathered at Hacienda de Las Flores to set the stage for 
Cameron and Kelly’s wedding. Father’s climbed in trees and strung up lights. Friends came early to help with the set up. The decorations, tables, flowers and park like venue made it a beautiful setting.
The mother of the bride provided great organization and oversight…and I, admittedly stressed out. The many details of a venue that size… can be overwhelming. I just prayed that somehow I would be able to hold it all together. And, with a little “snap to it” prayer from my dear mentor and friend….I was able to gather my head and heart together before the wedding began, being filled with joy in the meaning of the day.
The wedding was perfect. Just perfect. We could not have asked for better weather,( thank you God) a better message from the officiating pastor, the brides uncle Matt… a better D.J, John Varella… a better caterer , Blue Sage/Matthew Box… a better florist, our dear family friend, Bettina Belter.
But in the end, the festivities went much deeper than a beautiful wedding. The day started years ago when two small children were being shaped to be given away as gifts to each other. On that beautiful day, we as parents, released our precious children to the life that God has for them…with each other. As I reflect on the day, I can say with confidence in my heart…that my son was prepared, for a lifetime, to love, to put someone else first, to serve his wife, and to love his Lord Jesus. I realize with fresh meaning, that raising a son is a very important responsibility. We were raising, shaping and training a young boy, who would become a man, take a wife, raise his own family and shape the future.
Marriage is a sacred journey. It is the school of learning to love with God’s love, putting another before ourselves. It is a training ground. I wonder if we view marriage as such….Do we realize that marriage can change us? Do we realize that marriage is not for our own satisfaction but for the purpose of teaching us to serve another? Do we realize that marriage has seasons, ups and downs, and times that are not quite as lovely as the wedding day? Do we realize that every day we have a choice? To love and uplift, to trust and not stress, to forgive and forbear…..Yes, marriage is something very special, and can change us from the inside out if we will just lean into the presence of God in the middle of it.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
If you are married, I challenge you to take a moment to recommit yourself to the surrender of serving and blessing your mate.
If you are single, I challenge you to lean into God as he makes you more and more of a servant to those in your life.
For all of us, I challenge us to remember that Jesus Christ is the bridegroom who calls us HIS bride.
May we adorn ourselves daily in our wedding attire, a heart that anticipates HIS love!
And, Cameron and Kelly…happy week #5, in the sacred journey of loving another!
Living Loved,
Debbie
I didn’t know that Bettina Belter was a florist.
Lovely. So lovely. Thank you for posting this.