The way it was meant to be

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31) Last night Bev and I went to a wedding. Andrew and Kate are some of our favorite young adults. Their passion for Jesus shines through every part of their life.

I don't know if I was ever at a wedding where I saw so many tears. I saw tears in the eyes of both bride and groom, their parents and grandparents, as well as the guests. Andrew's grandfather had the honor of guiding them through the ceremony. At times he had to pause for a moment to compose himself before he could talk.

There was something magical, something enchanting about the wedding. It had nothing to do with the location (although it was at a beautiful mansion), or the actual ceremony (although it was simple yet meaningful), or the food (it was wonderful). No, the sense of enchantment came from somewhere else. I had a strong sense of God smiling His affirmation on the two becoming one. Just as God looked over everything He made and affirmed it thousands of years ago, once again He pronounced it excellent in every way.

I believe the reason for the tears was that people understood somewhere deep in their spirit that this was good. Our spirits were joining with God in the affirmation of the mystery of marriage, a mystery straight from the heart of the Creator, a mystery that stretches to the beginning of time, a mystery that was first evident in Adam's sense of wonderment as he beheld Eve for the first time.

I believe the tenderness of heart that facilitated the blessing of God and the sense of enchantment started with the couple. They have allowed their hearts to love and be loved, both by God and each other. I believe the powerful cross-generational affirmation of a grandfather blessing and honoring two hearts becoming one intensified the sense of awe and holiness. As the parents of both the bride and groom gathered around them and prayed, blessing the union, God's affirmation was evident. The conversation and laughter that accompanied the wedding meal reflected the joy of the Father's heart.

Once again I found myself in a place of God's affirmation, my heart overflowing with a sense of joy - this was good! Once again my spirit harmonized with the heart of the Father, responding to His joy with joy of my own - this was good!