Bless, Uphold, Care

I once read about a couple who's wedding cards were all stolen at a reception. Just sitting out on the table, someone can collected them all and walked out the door with hundreds of dollars in gift cards and cash. This is why many couples will have some kinds of collection location for wedding cards that is secured so that guests won't be tempted and gifts are safe. I have seen some people use mail boxes, bird cages, a wrapped gift box ... even a fake wedding cake.

For our wedding, my mother made a wishing well. She covered it in white satin and lace. It was bulky and huge, so pretty difficult for anyone to try to make off with it. My sister used the same wishing well for her wedding. It was just so cute. Gaga said it's a little worse for wear over the last 20+ years and thought it was too bulky to bring to Florida for Ayla's wedding, so she created something new for Ayla.

What started off as a wooden bread box, has turned into a seaside treasure chest, covered in nautical bits like anchors and lighthouses and sea shells. She worked so hard it to make it special for her one and only granddaughter. A true labor of love. Gaga's co-workers loved it so much, they told Gaga she should make more and sell them. "Oh no," she said, "That is special for my granddaughter."

I think one of the things that makes weddings so much fun is participation of family and friends to make this day so special. Kayla has shared several things that various family members or friends are doing to play a part in her and Anton's wedding. Each one is tailored to their gifts and a fun way for each to contribute. Several of my friends have been precious to volunteer to host a bridal shower for Ayla. It is a sweet and generous thing for them to do for my daughter, and I praise Jesus for them all. How grateful we can be for people willing to do so much.

Last week we shared a blog about the order of the Christian marriage worship service, and we mentioned the part where the congregation is asked to "bless, uphold and care" for the couple. Looks like folks are already stepping forward to do that, and we haven't gotten to the wedding yet. Glory to Him!

Discussion: Share about what different people have already volunteered to do for your wedding? What do each of these people mean to you?

Prayer: Father we thank you for folks willing to help out with various aspects of the wedding and pre-wedding festivities. Please bless them, Father, as they have been a blessing. In Jesus, Amen.