Wedding Traditions

Daily Gratitude Year 5-Day 150: I am grateful for wedding traditions.

Warning... wedding pictures may continue.

This weekend, I was reminded once again of the value of traditions. Weddings are full of them. 

Emma carried a Bible that Grandmother and... I think her Mom... carried, too. (Donna you can correct that if you want). Chase carried a beautiful antique watch from Grandpa Lindgren that he had cleaned up and in pristine condition. When Chase was born, Dad put Chase's picture in the watch. Chase replaced it with Emma's. 

They had the old, the new and I am sure the blue was not missed. 

Traditions remind us all all the stories that lead up to our own being written. They are part of our roots, and they give us wings. 

Each church has some traditions. In ours, after the vows are said, the congregation, also, makes a pledge to love, support, guide and commit to helping a young marriage grow and thrive. We, too, answer "We do." To know that a "house full" of people... guest, family and friends... cared enough to be there and to pledge their help, encouragement, wisdom and support in the days that follow... that may be the best gift of the day. 

One giggle was when Pastor Aaron asked, "Is everyone was ready for these two to get married?" There was a resounding "Yes!".  He could not have blessed them with a more personal, special and Spirit filled service. 

Several in the pews were in Emma's grandparents wedding(Herb & Darlene). They watched her father, Jeff,  grow up, find love and marry... and, now, Emma. 

The first dance as husband and wife is a sweet moment. They enjoyed conversation and being as "alone" as you can get with all eyes on you. The repeating chorus was "It all comes back to you." 

That is their story. They saw far aways places. They attended different colleges. They made different friends. Then they took inventory of what they found beyond the borders of home. But they discovered the best one for them... the one they would choose again and again over any other... was the one who had already shared their first nearly 26 years. 

Our hearts could not be more full... to bursting with joy! 

Traditions remind us of where we come from and give us a compass as we press toward the future. 

The Word points us to the rich value of passing on traditions that remind of God's active presence in our lives... past, present and future. The traditions help keep us focused on him. They are not the answer or the way, but they help us find The One and The Way. 

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace." 2 Thess. 2:15-16

A new marriage... a season of hope and grace... and the traditions remind us to savor it all as we take in the once in a lifetime moments. 

I am grateful for wedding traditions.