I began praying for my children before I’d met any of them, and one of my ongoing requests was for their future spouses, should they choose to marry. It was fun to think about those other children, wherever they were during the growing-up years, being raised in other families, yet being prayed for by ours.

As the dating years arrived, I secretly wondered, “Is she that one? Or maybe is he?” Just like parents longing to meet and get acquainted with their not-yet-born baby, I longed to put names and faces with my prayer requests for these future spouses.

Now I have the pleasure of connecting Klaus’ bride with a name (Brooke) and face (lovely), which was great satisfaction when it happened. And last weekend my prayers for my son’s future bride changed to prayers for my new daughter-in-law.

It all began, though, with a rehearsal, just as most weddings do. Those in the wedding came together to run through it at the selected location, which in this case was a beautiful estate complete with woods, rolling hills, two ponds, several fountains, homes, and a lawn just right for 150 bales of hay (seating).

After filling up on pizza, everyone received instructions and took their places. The four young children did exactly as directed, and the “preacher,” our Nelson, reviewed the order of service with bride and groom. The sound man tried his equipment, and Birgitta practiced the song she would sing.

Spirits ran high, and even little Emerald happily watched the proceedings. Although an untimely rain constantly threatened, everyone proceeded as if it didn’t, hoping the ceremony wouldn’t end up in the barn.

Much of life can be rehearsed beforehand. We can make plans to research how situations will most likely go. We can role-play, troubleshoot, and do dry runs in an effort to be prepared for what’s around the corner.

But some things can’t be anticipated and take us by surprise. An argument. A diagnosis. An accident. A break-up. We wish we’d known ahead of time so we could have gotten ready, but there we were, exposed and unprepared.

God offers to help in times like these. Nothing takes him by surprise, and because of that he is always prepared. He has already seen what’s ahead and wants to soften the blow for us if we’ll let him. All we have to do is ask.

Brooke and Klaus worked hard to prepare for their rehearsal, which then prepared them for their wedding the next day. And because they planned to move into their marriage arm-in-arm with the Lord, any surprises that can’t be rehearsed ahead of time shouldn’t threaten them. Since their God is always prepared, they won’t have to worry.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)