I had the most wonderful opportunity this past weekend to enjoy my Mom and my Dad...at the same time. As rushed, event filled, and beautiful as it was, I still am in awe of the beauty of which I am blessed. The weekend began on a plane trip with my Dad (and Jill), 7:10 departing GSP, arriving in Chicago at 7:55. The joy of my heart glowed as my Daddy listened to music (via an iPod) and sang at the top of his lungs "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor" by the Gaither's. I almost cried! What he didn't realize is that since he had the iPod in his ears he had no idea how loud he was singing, and amazingly enough, no one on the plane minded either!
After arriving in "Che-cago", as Daddy pronounces it, we rode with Shelley, Scott, and lil Scotty to Elkhart, IN. I had the most amazing opportunity to stay with Scott's Mom and Dad. What amazing people! Their hospitality, love, and support could never be repaid. Friday night was the rehearsal party, and then Saturday we attended a bridal shower for Cassy. Intrigued by her beauty and innocence I watched her open gifts, smile, and enjoy her moment with Shelley at her side. However, not so far away sat my Mama...so proud and happy to have her three girls near. I felt my heart sink when I worried whether we were including her and having the desire to want to stand on the table and say, "hey, have you met my Mom?". She looked beautiful.
After the shower, we began the orchestrated event of dressing for the wedding. As I watched...Cassy was putting on makeup and laughing, Mama was smiling and pulling out the flower arrangements she had helped with, and Shelley was...well Shelley was Shelley, she contributed her wit, smile, and warmth. But most of all our sweet Hannah and Scotty were glowing. What is it that a wedding really does bring out the best of everyone involved?
After being dressed and ready to walk down the isle, I looked at my Daddy and realized he was crying. The time had come that his baby girl was walking down the isle, and he would be giving her to the third and last official "Owens Brother" (as Scott likes to refer to himself, Toby, and now Patrick). As he cried, I looked at Mama and she too was crying, and as I looked at Shelley, I realized we were all three grown up. Not that it was a mystery, but that the finality of the event we had been dreading (not negatively), looking forward to, and now witnessing had come to fruition...Cassy (that sucked a passy until she was 6, played with Jesse Harris all of her life, and babysat my own children when she was in middle and high school) was getting married. I really didn't think I would have such difficulty with this life event, however I have.
You see, I have worried about tomorrow until it has made me ill, I have worried about family, friends, and events that I should have placed in God's hands...never to be taken away from my heavenly Father. You see, my Daddy did all of this along time ago when he decided to stop drinking...in closing, I want you to read the lyrics of "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor":
Among the local taverns they'll be a slack in business
'Cause Jesse's drinkin' came before the groceries and the rent
Among the local women they'll be a slack in cheatin'
'Cause Jesse won't be be steppin' out again.
They baptized Jesse Taylor in Cedar Creek last Sunday
Jesus gained a soul and Satan lost a good right arm
They all cried "Hallelujah" as Jesse's head went under
'Cause this time he went under for the Lord.
The reality of knowing that my Mama and my Daddy are not getting any younger (and neither am I) hit hard this weekend. I still hear Daddy singing, "They all cried Hallelujah as Jesse's head went under". My Daddy had church on that airplane, all by himself!
My prayer for you today, is that you find the time to tell someone (just one person) how much they mean to you. I pray that God blesses you and shows you the revelation of His love and power. Where there is pain, provide peace, where there is self-doubt, provide grace, and where there is hatred, provide love. The only thing that would have made this weekend any more wonderful would have been for my children and husband to be by my side. Don't worry about tomorrow, place your worries in God's hands.
