During the final week before a wedding, responsibilities in- crease, especially for the bride and groom. But they aren’t the only ones. Extended family begins cleaning house and changing sheets to ready for company, and airport runs become frequent. Refrigerators are stocked, and wedding clothes are pressed. Excitement mounts, and at the end of it, God unites a man and woman in the amazing partnership of marriage.
Our family is 6 days away from Klaus and Brooke’s ceremony, close enough to be checking our iPhones every hour to see if the rain has been eliminated from Saturday’s forecast yet, since they plan an outdoor wedding. There’s much to do, and our out-of-towners begin arriving today.
“Happy chaos” will be the theme of the week, as it is for every family planning a wedding, but the joining of two individuals and also their families is the delightful reason beneath the hubbub.
All of my children will be on hand to celebrate, as well as son-in-law Adam and half of my grandchildren. Hans will be coming from England without his family, since his 4th child, little Andrew Kenneth, is only 2 weeks old. But I’m thankful he said “yes” to being his brother’s Best Man and that Katy said “yes” too!
One other family member who will be missing this week is Nate. I know his absence will feel big, but I also know the Lord will provide many reasons for rejoicing throughout Klaus and Brooke’s special day, even if some of it might be done through a tear or two.
Knowing God will be present and active throughout that day will be my greatest joy. After all, marriage is his invention, and when a couple ties the knot, his Spirit is keenly involved in that process. I know the Lord already has some special wedding gifts of a spiritual nature prepared for that day, certainly for the bride and groom, but for the rest of us, too.
Since the week promises to be extra busy, I’m going to do something I haven’t done since starting this blog 4 years ago: I’m going to take the week off.
You readers are always on my mind and in my prayers (and will continue to be this week), and it’s pure pleasure to write these blog posts. But I know my place is with my family this week, particularly since we are rarely together across the many miles between us.
So, thank you for your understanding, and I’ll get back to you in a week with a summary of all that happened, both spiritually and otherwise. As you go into your own busy week, know that I’ll be missing you.
”I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
We are at the airport right now and soon at the gate to board re plane to Manchester where our stop over is. See you in a few days. Can’t wait to see you even if it will be busy week for you all.
Malin and Jonathan
We will miss your messages this week but just wanted you to know i will be praying for you and your family as you prepare for the big day.Can’t wait to hear all about the wedding.May the lord grant you grace and peace this week.Blessings to all.
Cheryl C
Willl miss your Blogs but you deserve some time off for this special week.
Enjoy the week and the special day.
We are looking forward to the wedding and seeing everyone again
Enjoy the week! I will pray for you too as the Lord brings you to mind. So glad you have this wonderful time with your family:)
Have a beautiful week with your family, Margaret! I appreciate your blog, but it’s a good idea to take time “off” during this next week.
You bring wisdom & blessings to many (me as well!!). We share in your joy and excitement. Good plan to focus on your family & not miss a moment. Blessings to you and your family; especially Brooke & Klaus
I usually begin my mornings reading your blog and will still have a devotional time while you are getting ready for your son’s
wedding. Don’t know where to begin to thank-you for bringing me through life’s challenges with your sharing God’s word and your life experiences through your blog. Hope that the wedding is a blessed time for all.
Marni, Will miss your daily blog but know you and the family will be in our prayers. Best wishes to Klause and Brooke, and we will pray for a dry day. God’s blessings on you too my friend as another of your children marry.
Love you, Connie
Looking forward to the pictures! Rejoicing with all of you.
Will be thinking of you and the family! Can’t wait to see the pics! Blessings to Klaus and Brooke!
Will be thinking of, and praying for, you all this week. I wish I could be there. My favorite part of this post is Nate with the cup of coffee in hand. Brings back great memories!! Congratulations to Klaus and Brooke!!
I too, will miss your blogs this week but will look forward to hearing about the wedding. Loved the picture of Nate with his cup of coffee. Have a WONDERFUL week!!!!
They are a beautiful couple; love the posted picture of them. Seeing Nate’s photo gave me this idea: have his portrait visible during the ceremony, perhaps on the chair next to yours, with one beautiful white rose. In the years ahead, this gesture will mean so much to the family. Enjoy every detail and moment. Hugs.
Hi Margaret,
Much grace and joy to you and your family as you all gather for a happy occasion. God’s favor and protection over Klaus and Brooke as they start their lives together.
We all look forward to your daily wisdom again… enjoy the time with family.
Love,
Terry
Blessings to all of you as you share this joyous time! As the others, I’ll miss your blogs, but look forward to the ones to come!
Have a super-great week with family, friends ‘frenzy’ and fun!
You deserve it!