Erik & Steph's Wedding

I love weddings. Not for the mushy crap that some chicks dig them for. I love the commitment. I love that a man and a woman can stand before their friends, family, and anyone in the world declaring their love for one another. I love that they are forsaking all others and publicly declaring their love for this one other person, to have and to hold for all time.
I know that some people probably get married for the wrong reasons. There’s a lot wrong in the relationship or with the individuals before getting to the alter. Oh wait, that’s everyone who’s ever gone to the alter—what am I talking about! We all come to the front of that big or small gathering with a crap-load of baggage. Now, whether that baggage is apparent, or has/has not been disclosed, is the question. As any married person will tell you, baggage will make itself known sooner or later.
Will the baggage tell you exactly what it is, or where it stems from? No, unfortunately. That can be the torpedo to any marriage. Baggage. Too much in the submarine can keep you from rising above the water’s surface for fresh, life-giving air. Sooner or later, you’ve got to unload. Hopefully its in a way that won’t sink the ship.
Erik’s beautiful bride, Stephanie, is now one of my friends. Before I flew out to PA this past May, she was simply a name and a face over an e-mailed picture. Now she is the wife and bride of one of my best friends. As far as I’m concerned, she’s family. I never meet her until three days before the wedding. The fact that my brother was willing to join with this woman was enough for me.
Of course she was my sister in Christ before she ever met Wessel. Still, she came into our close fold when she and Wessel united as one in Christ. That, my friends, is beautiful.
Steph brought baggage into her marriage. Just like Kara brought baggage to her marriage to Jon. Like Ashley did to Jeremy. Like Becky to Matt. Aleta to John. Hilary to Tyson. Andrea to me. And needless to say: all these wonderful husbands hauled their garbage to that sacred alter before the Lord.
As if God’s grace in our individual relationship with Him wasn’t great enough... Knowing how hard and tough marriage is, He allowed us to double up on the grace. While two people become one, the grace doubles. It is not shrunk, or minimized, or lessened in some way as to maximize its efficiency. No, God is too good for that. He blesses beyond measure. In fact, He probably triples that grace behind our backs, probably when the husband and bride kiss for the first time, when all eyes are on the new creation. He’s there, smiling at His kids as they embark on one heck of a wild and crazy adventure. A smile—because He loves them. A smile—because He knows they have no idea what they’re getting into, no matter how smart, brave, or committed He made them to be.
As Jon and I sat at the head table with a bottle of wine between us and the sun pouring in with the summer breeze, we soaked in the serenity. The happy bride and groom made their rounds. Shaking hands, receiving hugs, kissing at the clank of silver on glass. It’s so different on the other side (of your own wedding, that is). Jon and I both remarked at how fast our wedding day went. So many wonderful people gathered together to celebrate you and your union. I remember seeing everyone, yet not getting to spend nearly as much time with them as I’d like. I can see why weddings in the Middle East go for at least a week. That time celebrating with your family and friends is so precious. A hint—no matter how small—our weddings are a glimpse of eternity. If that doesn’t set your heart aflutter and a smile on your face—you need to reconsider what heaven is going to be like.
It was a beautiful wedding. I’m so honored to have been a part of it. I’m so blessed to have such dear friends—brothers and sisters—to share this life with. I’m thankful to God in heaven who blesses and protects those in marriage. I’m thankful for that snapshot of infinite time with our loved ones, with our One true Love.
Wessel & Steph—Congratulations. Thank you for the chance to share this amazing moment in life with you both. I look forward to the years ahead, for both of you. Whenever you’re westward, Colorado is home, and you know where you can lay your heads in the evening if not under God’s star-studded night sky. Love to you both.