In Just a Couple of Days

In just a couple of days, Jonathan, my eldest son, will be standing at the altar with his brother by his side and his groomsmen accompanying. I’ll be on the platform officiating—trying not to be too much the beaming and/or nervous dad. The moms will be escorted to their seats. The processional will begin. Finally, his bride Danielle will walk down the aisle on her father’s arm and the exchange will be made. After some scriptures, hymns, and a short sermon, they’ll turn towards each other and make their vows. By the time they leave the altar, they will be husband and wife. 

Soon another young couple will begin life as so many have before them: filled with love, excitement, expectation, and hope; their minds swirling with dreams of the future; their hearts beating a little faster. They will go off on their honeymoon and come back more in love than ever. They’ll begin to settle into their new home, get into their own routines, and begin to live their lives in a whole new way. And, it’s all going to begin to happen in just a couple of days!

And, I as a Dad, aside from having the privilege of officiating the wedding ceremony, can only stand and watch…and pray.  I can give counsel, but they must make their own decisions.  I can cheer them on, but they must run their own race.  I can encourage them in their faith, but they must carry their own faith.  I wish I could do it all for them, but I cannot.  Neither can any of us; no matter how much we may love and care for them. The best we can do is, encourage them and pray for them. The best we can do for them is commit ourselves to pray that God will fill them with his eternal love; pray that God will bless them and direct them; pray that God will use them for his glory; pray that, their love for each other and for Christ will grow.

Maybe you need to be reminded today of someone in your life for whom you need to pray.  Today this is my prayer for my son, Jonathan and his soon-to-be wife, Danielle:

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  (Ephesians 3:17 – NIV) 

I can’t believe it, but I’m going to have a married son…in just a couple of days!

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris