Microcosm of Life's Journey

The RSVPs are coming in! It is so exciting to see the names of folks who are making the journey to Florida from California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Alabama, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Iowa, Rhode Island, North and South Carolina, Texas and other locations around the country. Ayla and Rob have friends and family all over our nation, so to bring them together for this special occasion is so fun. I have delighted in hearing from precious friends who have messaged me with "Got my tickets!" or "We coming!"  or "Looks like we'll see you in Florida!" My heart is overflowing with joy at celebrating this day with folks near and dear to our hearts. God has truly blessed our family in this life journey with friends who are loving, fun and willing to carve time out of their busy lives to witness and celebrate this marriage. Praise Jesus!

We know to come for this wedding this is quite a sacrifice for many, and we pray will bless them as much as it will bless us and Rob and Ayla. And we look forward to celebrating again with Anton and Kayla in June of next year. I think what is so amazing about these celebrations, is that the guest list is a microcosm of our children's and their fiance's lives. People they have known and loved since infancy or met as young children. Some they have met in high school. Others in college. And still others from life post-college. Some from various churches they've attended. People from the different locations they've lived in. When you couples stand in front of these guests to say your vows, you truly will have your whole lives leading up to this moment sitting right behind you, supporting you, encouraging you, loving you, mentoring you and blessing you. These folks have helped shape who you are today. Some have prayed for you your whole lives. The conversations and stories these people could share with one another about this common tie they all have in you! To go around that reception hall and just simply ask, "How do you know the bride? How do you know the groom?" What a fun time!

My dear ones, how honored you must be to know the ones who love you will be part of the beginning to great new adventure for you! And the best part is ... it's a worship service! They will gather to witness your marriage and worship the One True God together with you! Glory to Him!

We want you to take time to reflect on the names of the souls who will make this journey to be at your wedding. Pray for them. Pray for their safe travels. Pray for the quality time you'll spend with them. Pray the Lord blesses them as they will bless you. And thank God for them. Philippians 1:31 says, "I thank my God every time I remember you." Thank God for the part they've played in your life, what they've witnessed in your life and will soon witness. What a marvelous journey this life has been and will continue to be. May it always be to God's glory!

Discussion: Share with one another some unique stories about some of the guests attending your wedding. Why is it important these folks witness your marriage? Share also about friends or family you wish could attend.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for each individual who will come to our children's weddings. We thank you for having our lives intersect theirs and thank you that they are coming to celebrate with us. Lord, You are amazing and we are blessed indeed by Your children. In Christ we pray, Amen.

Receiving Guests

Right after our wedding, we had a receiving line. This is where the newlywed couple stands at the back of the church with their parents and sometimes members of the bridal party and family members to greet everyone who attends. It gives the couple a chance to have a few minutes with everyone at the wedding and thank them for attending. It also gives guests time to congratulate you face-to-face, particularly if there is a large guest list.

But it takes time. With over 200 people at our wedding, we spoke with and hugged every guest and it took more than 30 minutes. While necessary to visit with everyone, it was long and drawn out, particularly for those standing in line waiting.I remember at my cousin's wedding a year later, instead of a receiving line, she and her new husband went table-to-table at the reception to say hello to every one. It was more efficient in that everyone got to the reception quicker and was seated to eat while the couple made their rounds.

I saw a rerun for a 2010 episode of the television series Four Weddings which showed a bride and groom playing usher at their own wedding and hugging guests as they left the pews at the wedding. Everyone had to leave anyways, so it was nice that the Mr. and Mrs. took this time to greet and welcome their guests.

Should you choose not to have a receiving line, understand that it may be more difficult to try to get around to visiting with everyone. If you want to make sure you've seen everyone, this is the way to go, plus it gives members of the bridal party and parents a chance to meet every guest and gives the bride and groom the opportunity to introduce individual friends and extended family or folks who have traveled long distances to their new spouse.

The awkward part about the receiving line is for guests who are shy and may not want to shake hands with or introduce themselves to the entire bridal party. You can eliminate this by keeping the receiving line to just the two of you. This will also speed up the line. Also, try to keep conversations brief. If there is someone you want to spend more time talking with, tell them you'll catch up with them more at the reception.

The Bible tells us in several locations to "greet each other with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26) - which is probably a kiss on the cheek - but regardless greeting is a big part of welcoming and respectful to those coming to celebrate with you. I will say, there is one memory I have of my receiving line which I will never forget. My choir director from our church and my junior high school came to our wedding. She was undergoing chemo for brain cancer and had lost most of her hair. I will never forget the chance I had to put my hand on her face and hold her close. How I loved this woman. It was the last time I ever saw her. She passed away soon after (and I'm sure is leading the heavenly choirs in Paradise today.) For those precious moments, the receiving line is priceless.

So to have a receiving or table visit? Or eliminate all together. This is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable with. So do what works for you.

Discussion: How do you plan on receiving and spending time with each of your guests? Do you think it's important to spend that time with them? If you have a receiving line, who will you include to greet guests?

Prayer: Father, we know how important it is to be hospitable to our friends and to strangers as well. We pray we find a way to greet all our guests in love and efficiently for their comfort and our own. In Christ we pray, Amen.