Yes, it's been awhile since I have blogged. Sorry about that but life has been a little hectic. Part of the craziness was preparing for Kyle and Molly's wedding - ML was in charge of the wedding rehearsal meal and decorations, we needed to make sure all the tuxes came in and fitted correctly, needed to make sure the hotel rooms were reserved, had to pack 2 car loads of stuff into one to take to Garden City, and yes, I had a sermon to write as I was officiating. These were just a few things amongst the many more that needed to get done prior to the 9th. But, as you can see by the picture above, the wedding took place and Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Just are officially married, husband and wife, forever and ever amen!
It was a wonderful ceremony that turned out to be a very sacramental moment. In other words, God's very presence was with us all and His Spirit touched not only Kyle and Molly, but the families and all who were in attendance. I must confess, it was the most difficult of the three boys ( I officiated each boy's wedding). I am not afraid to shed a tear and I did so for each of the boys at their wedding. But you know how it is when it's the baby. I did fine until I went behind the chancel area to wait for Kyle to meet me after walking ML down the aisle. It was like someone hit me in the gut. This was the last boy to get married! This was the little surprise package that arrived when we were in Chicago! This was the one who all of a sudden was out of college, was getting married, and was soon to move to Kentucky to start a new chapter in his life! Deep breath, dad.
And then around the corner he comes. He gave me a big hug and said he loved me and I told him I loved him in in return and I prayed with him (probably so he couldn't see the tears in my eyes). And then the song transitioned to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and it was time. We walked out and awaited the wedding party in anticipation of the lovely miss Molly to come through the double doors and down the aisle.
Smiles accompanied the groomsmen and the bridesmaids and then here came the grandkids. Brayden and Owen were the ring bearers, quite handsome I might add. And then came Addy and Aubryn, the flower girls. They were beautiful! They all did such a great job and they all made it on stage (although by the end they all found their ways back to their mothers). And then......................
HERE COMES THE BRIDE! Again, deep breath dad. Down the aisle came Molly, arm in arm with Russ, her dad, smiles as wide as the grand canyon. And the rest? Well, you just had to be there. To me, I hardly remember a thing that happened around me other than my guiding Kyle and Molly through the vows, the meditation, the blessing and exchange of rings , the family blessing, and the dismissal with blessing. I do know that had to stop and take a deep breath from time to time, all the while knowing that if I looked the kids in the eyes for any length of time, I would be a basket case.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the Justs and the Komofskes all gathered around Kyle and Molly while they were kneeling and we prayed a prayer of blessing on their marriage. We prayed that they would keep their vows, that they would hold fast to their faith. We prayed for them to acknowledge God's role in their lives as a married couple, and we prayed For God's hand to guide and direct them as they began this new chapter in their lives together as husband and wife. It was beyond meaningful. It was beyond powerful. It was indescribable.
And then, it was with great pleasure that on behalf of the Justs and the Komlofskes, I presented to the family and friends who had gathered in the church that day, MR. AND MRS. KYLE JUST!
It was a great day. God was in the house. And based upon the responses by those in attendance, he spoke to their hearts the importance of what it means to say "I do". For what God has joined together, let no one separate! Amen and amen!!
(Now pardon me while I go blow my nose)
