Thursday, August 2, 2007

Weddings and Hope

It's wedding season! This summer is absolutely filled with them; I already officiated one, attended one other, and am performing two more before the end of August. In addition, I've had to turn down three or four others because of scheduling conflicts.

All told, I probably know of twenty of our students getting married either this summer or in December/January.

Some of my colleagues dislike weddings; they require a great deal of time and energy on the weekends, which are already busy and stressful for most ministers.

I actually enjoy weddings. For one thing, each one is like a big reunion; former students and current students and old friends gather together in one place. I always tell prospective grooms to absorb the moment, partly because it will be the last time before their funeral that this many friends and family are gathered together at the same place.

But weddings are also an incredibly hopeful time. In a day and age in which divorce is rampant and even most intact families are dysfunctional, it is always nice to be involved in guiding a young man and young woman in the process of making a lifelong commitment. On that one day, hope resonates so strongly within them and everybody present. I always pray that this couple will beat the odds and glorify the Lord with a marriage that really lasts "till death do us part." I have optimism for these students who desire to walk with Jesus, that they will overcome the cynicism and faithlessness of their parents' generation and create a new standard for marriage, a fresh start, a godly home for the benefit of their children and grandchildren.

God, give them the perseverance, the faithfulness, the love for You that will be required for such a countercultural and supernatural task.

2 comments:

The Uptons said...

Although I don't have the honor to view weddings from your vantage point, I agree that weddings are great (I know that is atypical for most men). My only problem is that I cry at every wedding I attend because I'm reminded of my own wedding day wich still stands out as one of the best days of my life. May our marriages continue to flourish in a day and age where they often don't. --Matt

Shannon said...

Matt, this was truly a beautiful viewpoint on marriage. And I agree with the hope that each one contains, especially as the couple is focused on Christ, their great Savior and God!

I really could re-read this entry everyday; it was so wonderful.

P.S. Our wedding day felt like that, too. :)