INSPIRASUNS

It’s June which usually means wedding season. I’ve seen many beautiful pictures on social media of recent ceremonies. Each is a little different from the next but all so beautiful. Last weekend at church one of our parishioners was sharing that she and her daughter were going to a bridal show that afternoon. Her daughter, who is a special needs woman, has loved going to bridal shows since she was a little girl. So whenever there is a show in town, “She drags me to them”.

Just yesterday we were chatting at work about weddings and just how expensive they have become. When I hear how much money can be spent on a ceremony I just cringe. The overall cost of some of these ceremonies, um, they cost more than our first home 😦 . Don’t misunderstand, I’m not faulting anyone for having their dream wedding.

I’m just wondering though, is spending an incredible amount of money going to make a lasting difference in the relationship? Does having the latest wedding trend at your ceremony, make the relationship more true? At the end of the day do we want people to remember that everyone received a personalized gift at the reception, or do we want people to remember the look in the eyes of the bride and groom. Do we want people to remember the simple yet loving and meaningful vows the couple shared? Do we want people to remember how the bride and/or the groom choked up with emotion as they said those words?

Almost 40 years ago my husband and I said our “I Do’s” in a very simple ceremony. It was just the two of us, along with a witness, and the next day my mom hosted a very simple yet elegant dinner for the whole family. We didn’t have the latest and greatest out of a bridal magazine, we simply had us. It was simple and it was true. Over these past 40 years, we’ve certainly had our ups and downs. Marriage, like life, isn’t easy, it’s hard work. However, like most things, when you are willing to commit to that work, the rewards are limitless and priceless.

Friends some of the most special things in our lives cost absolutely nothing. The love of a spouse, a child, or a special friend, totally free and priceless. The love that Father has for us, costs nothing, and it is always there regardless of what we do, it is simple and it is true.

So, if you are getting married in the future, congratulations! I just encourage you to focus on the simple things, the love that you share with that soon-to-be spouse. That love will sustain you when all the fanfare is over. That love is what will sustain you in the many years to come 🙂 .

Have a great day my friends!

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.