Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOY (10/28/21)
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TITLE: Riding The Rails | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Lawrence
11/03/21 -
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Sean met Crystal while he was part of a Calvary Chapel worship team. Casual dating was discouraged because of possible spiritual repercussions. So Sean settled for friendship as long as he could. But after a year or so, while they were on a train outing, Sean, full of hope, asked Crystal, “Do you think it’s time?” And he reached out to hold her hand.
Two years later, on an anniversary train date, Sean again asked, “Do you think it’s time?” and pulled out an engagement ring.
They phoned us late that night. Sean put Crystal on the phone and she asked, “Would you mind if I became part of your family?” We were delighted!
Carl and I were overjoyed when they requested Carl write Sean’s wedding vows and I write Crystal’s. Such a privilege and honor—and impetus for smiling.
Two friends, a photographer and a graphic artist, worked together and created unique invitations and programs as their wedding gift—featuring Sean and Crystal standing in an embrace outside the train station with suitcase and guitar case. Superimposed over the picture, and circling them were words from a song Sean wrote for the wedding.
Hope is a virtue and virtue is fine
But I needed substance
And God made you mine
The day of the wedding Crystal was a picture of peace as I watched her calmly doing her hair, her make-up—almost tuning out her many attendants and female relatives filling the room with chatter and excitement. Crystal appeared focused on preparing herself—body, soul and spirit—to give herself to her groom. This bride spent the morning taking a restful, contemplative drive. She was not seeking to be queen for the day, was not listening for “oohs” and “aahs” from her attendants, but seemed focused on the marriage that was just around the corner. God was giving my son a gem.
Sean, too, was looking beyond the wedding itself, but if he was feeling peaceful it was eclipsed by his unmistakable joy—and nervousness.
Carl was just as nervous, anticipating his part in blessing and serving communion to the bridal couple during the wedding ceremony. But I had the delightful privilege of no responsibilities and could simply sit back and revel in the peace and glory of God’s love and destiny for these two children of His.
Sean’s pastor wept his way through the service with tears of joy at what God had accomplished in and through Sean during the thirteen years he had discipled him. I saw God’s redemptive power on display as the groomsmen stood lined up with Sean, remembering their times of shared pain and disappointment with each other and of their giving and receiving forgiveness and restoration of friendship. These boys had become godly men committed to the Lord and to each other.
Why I grinned through an intense rendition of Nothing But The Blood of Jesus can only be explained by my overwhelming joy in the gift of salvation and redemption.
Sean’s red socks drew attention to the fact that his feet weren’t quite on the ground. I’d never seen him so happy. Although I did notice his nerves almost got the better of him as he picked up his guitar to sing the song he wrote for Crystal.
You’ve been my still water
You’ve been my strong vine
Your cup runneth over
And spilled into mine . . .
A cheer nearly erupted when a passing train blew its horn right after the benediction. Who could have planned that!
Neither the bride or groom, nor either set of parents had money for extravagance. But Sean and Crystal’s friends worked with them, to hold a reception that reflected the communal joy of celebrating God bringing these two together.
In the reception hall, chairs were lined up, back-to-back, like a train station waiting room. After the buffet supper, eaten on laps, the chairs were rearranged to make room for dancing.
Carl and I are not dancers, but there we were, on the dance floor. Me grinning until my jaws ached and my dear husband—stars and tears in his eyes.
Towards the end of the evening Sean pulled me to my feet, insisting I dance with him. The swing band, made up of Sean’s musical friends, provided background for his final words to me before leaving for the honeymoon. “Everything was perfect, Mom—and the best hasn’t even happened yet.”
Peace dancing—joy resting!
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