Monday, January 19, 2009

Me? A "mother-of-the-bride"? OH MY!

A couple of weeks ago, I heard an older song on the radio entitled "Butterfly Kisses". Do you remember that one? A daddy remembering his little girl on her wedding day. The song progresses from her being little when Daddy tucked her in and they shared butterfly kisses, through her walking down the isle with little white flowers all up in her hair. He was reminiscing over cherished, sweet times together. I was in a pool of tears...my little girl has been talking of a wedding. She has been looking @ rings w/Andrew, they have been talking about their future. And...planning.

Today we looked at gowns. Kayla tried on eight or nine elegant, glistening, white dresses. Yes. I cried. A little bit. But we had a truly wonderful day. It is amazing to see your baby in wedding dresses, ready to move on in life. I found myself wondering at how in the world I went from being a bride to being the mother of one. Where did the time go?

And people are asking, "Did she get engaged?"

We laugh. Andrew has made his plans known, but is still saving money for the ring. They want to get married Sept. 4th on our farm, so we really need to get started with all the plans. It feels a little funny to me. Without a ring, it is hard to think of it as being "official". So I answer their question, "she is betrothed".

We are planning according to a promise.

It kind of reminds me of our faith journey.

As believers in Jesus, we live by faith in His promises. We have the holy Spirit as a "seal" of Jesus' betrothal. The Spirit in us is love. Kayla is resting all her plans on the love that she and Andrew have for each other. And resting in the promise that the ring will be there. I know, they are a little counter-culture; they are not going the normal route...ring, then plans...I admit I have had a hard time with the lack of a ring. I have felt-tentative-until today. Seeing her in those dresses created anticipation in my soul. A desire to move forward with her, as she has the assurance that the thing promised will come to pass.

We went to lunch and pulled out my planner. We began the list "to do". Painting, digging, building, researching flowers, caterers, photographers, lights, plants, decorations, centerpieces, napkins, and we know the list is still incomplete. We have a lot to do.

Suddenly, in the faith parallel, I find myself asking, "Do I live in anticipation like this for the great Wedding Feast to come? Am I preparing with such enthusiasm and careful attention to details?"

I am excited for this wedding! I know it is going to be a lot of work in the process of pursuing the day. Difficulties will inevitably come. Such things as the guest list (how to keep it in the budgeted amount?) or, "how are we going to pay for all of this?". Perhaps disagreements between Kayla and I, or her and Andrew...and then there is the added workload of prepping the yard...I know what will get us through those challenges is keeping focused on the future event, and the united life together that we are planning for.

Just like our betrothal to Jesus. It all reminds me of this passage of scripture I memorized at a retreat one year on 4-17, 18:

2 Cor: 4:17,18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Knowing that Jesus never breaks promises helps me not be tentative about moving toward the Great Wedding when we all feast with our King. I pray he will help Andrew be faithful to his promise to Kayla. Will you pray too? I guess I might still feel a little tentative...

13 comments:

A Stone Gatherer said...

First of all Mom I am so happy for you! I think I will be a puddle when my little Bekah Wekah is betrothed! Oh my goodness! How exciting! Second I love how you brought that together and made me think of my anticipation for my bride grooms 2nd coming! Thank you so much, and so enjoy this wonderful time!

Robin said...

Congratulations! It sounds like you are having lots of fun already! I've done this twice and even though it's expensive and overwhelming at times, there is nothing at all like seeing your daughter marry a Godly man. Priceless.

Angela said...

Wow! Congratulations! I can tell that you and Kayla have an awesome relationship and that this will be a very special time for both of you! Just pace yourself and try not to stress too much! And thanks for your advice the other day..it means a lot to me!

Angela

Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer said...

How wonderful!

This is a beautiful post. I love how you related your experiences back to scripture, teaching and encouraging us as you shared such a beautiful experience with us.

Oh...your farm is lovely!!!

So glad you stopped over!

Aunt Angie said...

Oh Kathy! I send you a BIG hug from a mom who's been there! Tears at the dress and all!

My goodness! Yes, where does the time go? Yesterday we played barbies together...today I give her advice on potty-training!

God is so good. I wish I could be there to enjoy your company, some coffee---or hot cocoa---and your snow!
Love you friend!
IF I can long distance help....contact me!

Joyful said...

What an absolutely beautiful post. I loved the line, "We are planning according to a promise." Oh how I want that phrase to remain with me. I think of so many promises in His Word to me, yet far too often I don't live in that preparation of seeing them fulfilled. This has spoken deeply to my heart today.

Kathy, thanks for your comment on my blog today. It's wonderful to 'meet' you!

Blessings,
Joy

Shonda said...

How exciting for you as a mother. I can't imagine as I don't have a daughter. God blessed me with 2 sons. I like how you tied your daughter's wedding to us being betrothed to Jesus waiting for that promised day. Beautiful imagery.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda

Lisa said...

So incredibly cool. I got chills when I read "betrothed." Just beautiful to think of it that way, and to see the parrallel that you drew out to our relationship with God. Thank you so much for sharing with us! Blessings on you, Kayla, and Andrew!

Anonymous said...

What a great story/devotional!
I am praying! You my friend are so gifted in writing! jess

Edie said...

Oh how sweet this is Kathy! Congratulations to the happy betrothed couple. :) I have already prayed for them and for you too. :)

Tracy said...

Oh my friend. I'm so happy for you! We're in similar shoes these days. You're right, it will be hard, and there will be a few bumps along the way, but what a special memory to have the wedding there at home. Precious. Thank you for sharing the challenge to anticipate the coming of our groom. Well said. I will definitely pray for your girl and her betrothed.

Blessings,
Tracy

Just To Praise Him... said...

Man, I am really glad you stopped by my blog. i am so sorry I haven't updated in a little while due to some aggravating sickness so that you would have at least a little something to look at. I am more than impressed about your music and your reading. It is not very often I come into contact with someone who likes Francis Frangipane or anyone like him. Have you ever read "A Tale of Three Kings" by George Edwards? Thanks for stopping by and I promise to update my blog soon...lol.

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

What a beautiful post. My daughter Meghan is a senior in high school so this day could be in the next few years for us too.

Where has the time gone? Goodness, you have made me grateful that I am not exactly there yet.

Enjoy your blessing in her.

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