Father of the Bride

      

        It has been 29 days, 1 hour and 19 minutes since I walked my daughter down the aisle.  It was one of the most exciting, tiring, emotional and exhilarating days of my life. I don’t know how my father-in law did it!  Joni is the oldest four girls.  Of course he didn’t have to officiate or sing, but it’s still an admirable feat, being Father of the Bride.

        I should take this time to thank our church family for their love, encouragement and patience through all of this.  Many of them sat in the foyer where they couldn’t hear or see as well so out of town guests and family could enjoy the 85 degree sanctuary to watch Angie melt into Jaired's arms with the candles about to follow suit.  Of course that’s after my sister-in-law stopped the flower girl (our grand-daughter!) from almost setting the church literally on fire, but that’s another column. 

        As Angie and I walked up the aisle and took our places, we promised each other we wouldn’t cry. We both failed spectacularly.  And I stuttered like Porky Pig saying the wedding vows.  It is difficult to say a coherent sentence when your daughter is pledging her lifelong commitment to the man of her dreams.

        Angie and Gale Williams put together a wedding video of hers and Jaired's journey to the altar.  Gale worked her normal genius ideas into the video. I had to watch a half dozen times before I could look at it and not choke up like a World Series slugger. Oddly, it wasn’t Angie in her prom dresses that made me emotional.   My favorite shot was her dressed up in the pirate costume directing a Vacation Bible School.  I am so proud of her on so many levels.

        Excuse me while I wipe away a tear.  This is not my first wedding.  I’ve done hundreds over 35 years of ministry. And I still get the best view in the house for watching Dads walking their daughters down the aisle.  And now that I’ve joined the "Walking Dad’s" club, let me tell you walking your daughter down the aisle is harder than the bridesmaids teetering precariously on 6 inch heels.  It’s more difficult than being a groomsman sweating in places he didn’t know he could sweat. 

        So now, 29 days, 1 hour and 19 minutes later we are almost done.  Bills are paid.  We are sorting through pictures, and still enjoying yummy wedding cupcakes.  But our eyes are on the next wedding (not my 7 year old granddaughter's). She will wait until she is 30.  I’m talking about the glorious wedding feast in Heaven.

        Revelation 19:7-9 talks of the marriage of the Lamb (Christ) to His bride (the church).  David’s Bridal Shop won’t have to worry about the dress being clean for it is made of “fine linen, bright and clean.”  We are made clean by the blood of Christ and we stand pure before the Lamb at the wedding feast.  No caterer needed for this feast.  No one’s jacket or vest will be too small, nor heels too uncomfortable.  And the only fire to think about is where Satan ends up (actually we don’t have to think about that).

        Take it from a veteran preacher and not so veteran Father of the Bride.  The wedding date sneaks up on you.  Have you responded to your invitation yet?