Our son Samuel married his lovely wife, Lindsey this past October. The beautiful ceremony was held at Cabrillo National Monument on the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California. It was a spectacular view overlooking the Pacific Ocean on one side and the city of San Diego in the opposite view and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in the background.
It took my breath away as I soaked in the beauty of God’s creation. And although it was breathtaking, it could not compare to the beauty He provided in the bride.
My favorite part of a wedding ceremony has always been watching the groom as he is mesmerized by his bride walking the isle. Watching my son, weep with joy as his bride approached has become one of the highlights of my life.
In the middle of such a special life event, I was surprised to find myself feeling lonely. I wondered if this was just a normal emotion experienced by the mother of the groom. We were seeing our son off in marriage, a marking of manhood, and saying goodbye to the little boy I spent many years nurturing and preparing for this moment. But I knew I wasn’t losing him. Rather, we were gaining a very special jewel into our own family and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Lindsey!
Why did I feel so lonely? As I looked around and saw Lindsey’s beautiful large family (she is one of nine children) I realized the loneliness was the result of not being surrounded by our own extended loved ones to celebrate with us in this special moment, due to the long distance and smaller venue.
So we decided to continue the celebration in Kentucky and invite many family and friends to join us in the celebration. We had over 80 people come together at our home to rejoice with us and it brought the truth of Romans 12:15 alive in our hearts!
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 English Standard Version (ESV)
Many of us are too familiar with weeping with those who weep. But I have often quoted the above verse as an admonishment when I feel jealous or struggle with being happy for others in their good news. This celebration allowed me to experience the verse as encouragement rather than admonishment. It allowed me to be thankful for the people we love, whom God has placed around us to rejoice as we rejoice! There is strength to be found when our loved ones come up beside us to celebrate what is important to us and we should strive to do the same for them!
What are you rejoicing about? Can I join you?
Copyright©2019, Gloria Stucky
A beautiful addition to the family indeed! Yoohoo!
Yes, you chose well! God has been gracious to bring her into our family!