Wedding Bells

Wedding Bells

“But for Adam there was not a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:20-25

I have presided over dozens and dozens of weddings. I’m not even sure how many. I’ve been preaching for 30 years this month, and if I’ve averaged about 3 a year, that would make 90 weddings. That’s probably fairly close, maybe a few less.

But there is something unique about a wedding I will be conducting on Saturday: it will be one of my own kids.

This Saturday Jenny and Matt Tipton will be getting married at 2 p.m. I will have the privilege of walking her down the aisle. Wes, my son and Jenny’s brother, will receive us and ask the question, “Who gives this woman in marriage?” After I say, “Her mother and I,” I’ll take Wes’ place and he’ll stand beside the groomsmen. Jenny’s sister Kristin will be the maid of honor. Cheryl will have the seat of honor as the mother of the bride.

This is new to all of us. A transition.

And it is a good transition. From the beginning of time God planned for a man and woman to complete each other’s lives. It is a testament to the wisdom of God’s plan when a young couple finds each other, makes the commitment, and takes the walk of life together.

People ask me if it is hard. I really don’t know. Sometimes it is, especially when I am in a reflective mood and thinking about when she was two years old and the Florida humidity made her hair curly. Or when she was seven and gave me a serious look and said, “Dad, we need to talk.” So we sat on the front porch, with me wondering what serious issue was plaguing this young girl’s heart and with her asking about something as serious as if we would be able to give all the kittens away. That conversation led to a number of other, “Dad, we need to talk” conversations. Yes, in those reflective moments, when I want to reverse the flow of time, it is difficult.

But at other times, when I’m thinking about God’s purpose for our lives, and his provision for us to find a life partner and enjoy intimate companionship, it’s not so hard. The fact that she has brought home a fine young man with strong Christian character makes it a whole lot easier. We know she is going to be honored and cared for in her new home. That’s what we raised her for.

So let the wedding bells ring. I’m sure Cheryl and I will have some moments that will be a bit tough emotionally, but that is part of the experience. We pray for God’s hand in Matt and Jenny’s life, and that he blesses them with his presence in their lives.

Warren Baldwin