Family

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The tribute sounds and the congregation rises. I turn from my seat in the front row to see my beautiful girl in a flowing white gown, holding her Daddy’s arm. Smiles abound as they slowly walk, step by step, down the long white aisle. She is radiant and beaming with a smile so beautiful and precious it melts my heart. Instantly, I’m taken back to the first time I saw it; toothless, full of drool, but oh so precious. Her father is also aglow. He smiles handsomely and is walking so tall, so proud. Only I can tell he, too, is fighting the tears. What must be going through his mind as he holds his baby girl? It seems only yesterday he held the same smile, fighting tears, as he held her for the first time. I catch his eye, and his stature softens ever so slightly. The fleeting glance we share is more comfort than any words one could offer us.

The ceremony proceeds without a hitch. The groom gently guides his new bride to the stage as they share their sacred vows. The promises made this day are too precious, too important to be forgotten. The focus is not these two young lovebirds. No, the focus is on their Maker, the great Author of the most wonderful Love Story of all time. This focus was not our leading. These two dear children came to us one day with the news.

“We’ve decided on a ceremony,” my lovely girl announced to us over tea.

“We hope you don’t mind that we did it ourselves,” chimed in our charming son-in-law to be.

“Nonsense, kids! This is your wedding,” I replied, trying to hide the tinge of hurt I felt in my heart, not sure what it really was. Maybe it was the mere fact that in an instant my sweet baby girl had been transformed into this lovely young woman and was so eager to leave my charge. Perhaps it was that I was looking forward to re-living my wedding, of sorts, in helping her plan her own. Whatever it was, it was the oddest combination of hurt, joy and utter contentment. She had found him, the one whom we had prayed for from the moment we knew she was coming into this world.

“Well, we don’t want the focus to be on us,” he continued. “Of course, she will have her gown and I will wear the tuxedo. However, the true focus of the day should not be us, for we had nothing to do with what is going to take place that day. It was God who created us, God who blessed us with parents and families that love, fear, respect and serve Him. It was God who brought us together just at the time when we least expected it. And it was God who spoke to us both to say that we are truly who He has planned for the other.”

I was amazed at his maturity. How many young men his age hold such high regard for their Lord? How many young women like her are so willing to put aside the accolades of their special day and step aside and let Someone else be the focus? My eyes stung and tears of pride and humility brimmed to the surface.

“You never cease to amaze me, Father,” I prayed silently.

So here we sit, in the Lord’s house, in His presence, witnessing the most beautiful exchange. The couple is pronounced husband and wife, a kiss is shared, and cheers fill the room. There is not a dry eye in the house. We have all experienced, and witnessed, true worship this day.

A small nudge in my belly brings me back to reality. Lovingly I rub this growing bump and enjoy the sensations of the little one growing inside. With every swoosh, roll and kick I am reminded that this precious infant has a Creator, and this Creator has a plan. As I look towards what the future may hold for this dear baby, I pray.

“Father, speak to this child even know. May they know who You are and sense Your presence as they grow and develop. May they come to know You so intimately and personally at a young age. And, oh Father, touch the life on the one they will join in marriage with some day. Grow them in Your grace and mercy. Keep them in your care, and hold them close to you. May they truly live for You and You alone. Bring them together in Your timing, in Your place. May their life together be one of worship, adoration, and service to You.”

I am in awe at the responsibility that lies ahead. The only hope for my husband and I to raise this special gift properly is to surrender completely to the leadership of the Father. The pains are coming faster now. It will be time to head to the hospital soon. This is our first child, I don’t know what to expect, and I don’t know what to do. As we get in the car, all I can do is pray.

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