The Lord Has Done This!

I was in a wedding this weekend. My former suitemate, Megan McFall, became Mrs. Joseph Riddell in the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended. That's saying a lot, considering I've been to more weddings than I can count.

It wasn't because of the dress, it wasn't because of the flowers. It wasn't even because it was the most perfect fall day ever to grace the "armpit of Ohio." It was because of the Lord and His abundant love. He brought Joe and Megan together - and Joe and Megan together is a beautiful thing. As the Psalmist said, "The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

There was so much rejoicing on Saturday, both with laughter and with tears (mostly my own). Watching Megan waiting patiently, peacefully, in the bridal suite for the time to finally arrive (she was so beautiful)! Watching Joe gaze at Megan as she walked down the aisle on her father's arm. Every minute of the day was blessed by the Lord and overflowing with His goodness, love, and beauty.

So much love. And so much joy. Joy for two people who are better together than they are apart (even though they are both amazing on their own). Joy because their relationship with each other has clearly deepened their relationships with the Father. Joy because as they learned to love each other more they began to love everyone else around them even more richly. Mr. and Mrs. Riddell are one of those rare treasures - a couple that you (that's a single you, not a couple you) are practically begging to be around (a rarity when talking about Grover relationships). I don't have to look any farther than these two to show you what I hope for in a relationship.

This was quite possibly one of the best weekends of my whole life.

"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

JOY!