On the Other Side

I have been to a lot of weddings in my life.  The vast majority of them found me up front.  Before me would be the nervous and excited, anxious and animated bride and groom.  I had the best "seat in the house" for watching the two of them look at each other with wonder, love, and gratitude as they speak their vows.  It never ceases to amaze me as I hear them pledge their lives to one another - and to pray that they will seek God's grace as they come to understand just what it is they are doing.  I think of the Scripture: There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky,  the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.  

For the first time, I am going to be on the other side.  My oldest son Drew has discovered his soul-mate in Jamey.  And, in early fall, they are to be married.  I am discovering what it means to watch your child that only yesterday you were teaching to ride a bike or drive a car or throw a baseball become a man, find his way, pledge his love, and start his family.  His mother and I are proud of him and have come to know and love Jamey.  She is smart and pretty and she loves my son and she is kind to us.  So, I will sit on the other side of this one, proud and emotional, laughing and crying, praying and hoping.