I've had weddings and marriage on my mind lately (I've had teaching on my mind as well, but that will have to wait until next time). I've recently been engaged to participate in a friend's wedding next summer, for which I am deeply honored. I often feel that I am on the periphery of most of my friends lives, but things like that remind me that God has used me in people's lives as much as he has used them in mine. It is good to have friends, and it is very good to have friends who are getting married.
Tim's wedding was this past Saturday. I was struck by a couple of things in particular by this wedding. First, I really like the tradition among these Reformed types for the male friends of the groom to gather around him, each laying a hand on him, and to pray right before the wedding. At my own wedding there was something... primal, almost, about uniting the heartfelt petitions of loving brothers for my good with the laying on of hands. It is a beautiful way of remembering that the physical and the spiritual are not opposed, but what happens to each matters to the other. I found it very meaningful to be able to touch Tim and offer a prayer for him and Taryn.
Second, I love how the gospel is portrayed in a wedding, and especially how it is portrayed differently by every couple. Tim and Taryn are wonderful, yet certainly fallen, people. They have made what some consider horrible mistakes, but in this union before God the very symbol of their error became something to celebrate and thank God for his loving care. Like Adam and Eve, Tim and Taryn need not be ashamed.
And last, my first wedding anniversary will be next Sunday. It feels like it has been both a long time and no time at all since that day. At Tim and Taryn's reception, Jessie and I got to talk to Wade for a bit, a rare opportunity these days. For those who don't know (you were almost all there, I think), Wade played guitar (masterfully, I might add) at our wedding. At their reception, Wade said that our wedding and reception were "fun," which Jessie pointed out is probably the nicest compliment anyone could say about our wedding. We'll be out of town for the anniversary, but I just want all of you who were there to know how much we appreciated your presence (especially Annie, Doug, Wade, Meghan, and many other who helped out yet no doubt avoid the blogosphere like the plague), and how much we missed those of you who couldn't make it.
Marriage... I recommend it. So to all you guys out there, start giving those ladies a chance!
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