Sunday's Sentiments: Marriage At the Foot of the Cross

Last night, we went to our first Southern wedding.  And the first wedding where our daughter's friends (therefore, our friends' children) got married. . . . .it was beautiful, and joyful, and gospel-centered.  I usually boo-hoo big time at weddings, but this time I kept it in check. 

Of course, this was a July wedding, in 100-degree heat, in Alabama.  My own theory is that I didn't cry b/c all my tears were diverted to sweat my glowing countenance.  Yes, my friends informed me that southern women do not sweat, they just glow.  There was a whole lot of glowin' going on last night!

(And yes, I did inform Kathryn that if she got married in the summer in the south, I wouldn't be in attendance.  And I was only partly kidding.)

I will admit, there is always one part of weddings that gets me.

Every. Single. Time.

The vows.  When two starry-eyed, happy, blissful individuals stand together, gaze into each other's eyes and take their solemn vows. . . . .

To have and to hold, from this day forward

for better, for worse

for richer, for poorer

in sickness or in health

to love and to cherish 

'till death do us part.

. . . and last night, I couldn't help the tears.  And the prayers.  Because they don't know. . .they can't know. . . . and I certainly didn't know. . . .the implications of those vows.  And they don't know. . .they can't know. . . and I most certainly didn't know. . .that there is no human way to fulfill those vows.   Soon, all too soon, they will learn - as we have - that loving your spouse unconditionally is a soul-humbling, heart-wrenching, prayer-inducing proposition.  And the only place - the only place - where we can find rest for our humbled souls, a balm for our wounded hearts, and answers to our fervent prayers is at the foot of the cross.  In the majestic, humble, gracious, loving arms of Jesus.

Which is why I found it so inspiring that they had this beautiful arrangement placed in the large room where they were married:

Daniel & Victoria, we wish you all of God's blessings as you begin your marriage. . .at the foot of the cross.

But on a lighter note, I had to include this:  The Mashed Potato Bar!!!

 You get a scoop of mashed potatoes in a martini glass (hold the olives, please!), then move down the bar to add your toppings:  bleu cheese, chopped ham, grated cheese, butter, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and - gasp! - sauteed mushrooms and onions in gravy!

Filling the glass of . . .mashed potatoes!

Bon Appetit!