The end but the beginning...

Hello everyone! I returned this weekend from my best friend's wedding...and what a weekend. It was precious; and it was hard. It was beautiful; yet sad. I was rejoicing; and crying. I encouraged her in this new step, in her love, in God's work in their lives...assured her that this was actually a new kind of freedom; but my heart was screaming "no, don't go!" I was excited about this new life beginning; and I was resisting the changes that accompany it. All of this included, one thing is for sure: it will be a memory I will treasure all my life.

It was a beautiful wedding. Small, in a country church, simple, and had her name all over it. She had her sisters and two friends (myself being one of them) stand with her; the groom had his brother, two best friends and now-brother-in-law. It's amazing how much time and effort (not to mention money!) go into a wedding...and then it's over in minutes. We have been talking about this day since we were in eighth grade! Now it is over.

We had so much fun, though! We decorated Friday, got up early Saturday and started the "getting beautiful process." It was a blast!! True, if any male had accidently stepped into that little salon he probably would have taken off at a run...but we enjoyed it immensely. We were ready a little too soon, however, so we all had plenty of time for butterflies. We were still laughing and joking until we lined up to go up the stairs to the sanctuary doors -- then the tears began. It became a little more real. We composed ourselves, walked down the aisle, met our escorts (all without falling, praise the Lord!) and stood waiting for the bride. Then of course the tears really came. Watching her father struggle to give up his little girl was heart-wrenching. Knowing their story, her dedication and her heart, made it even more special and beautiful.

I love weddings. Yes, I know, I'm a girl so that is just assumed. But I don't just like the fun and sweetness of it all; I love the symbolisms. I enjoy assigning meaning to little things where none whatsoever was intended, too! Ultimately, the most incredible illustration to me is the bride and groom. And I of course didn't come up with this parallel: it's in the Bible! I just love to think about it. I love to compare the excitement of the bride to us, as the Bride of Christ, and our waiting for His return. And, though a little less commonly thought of, I enjoy watching the groom before and during a wedding. I love to think about Jesus being as eager and full of anticipation and smiles as some grooms I've seen. And I think that maybe, just maybe, when the Father tells Him that it is time to return for His Bride, that He might also have a joyful tear or two in His eyes as He gathers us into His arms in a way He's been longing to for so long.

Though this wedding was bittersweet for me, the Wedding to come is going to be so much more than beautiful or sweet or happy -- far beyond what we can imagine! It's encouraging to remember that everything in this life is preparing for that day...that new Life.

I can't wait.