July 17th, 2016

Back in our twenties, Hubby and I volunteered with our High School Youth Group. We came alongside a group of students for four years; starting their Freshmen year through their Senior year. We stayed connected with several of them through college and beyond. I was thinking about those years and faces as I read from Savor this morning, the devotional book I’m going through. The author, Shauna Niequist, was reflecting on John 21:16 where Jesus says, “Take care of my sheep.” She then shares about a small group of teenage girls she led when she was involved in student ministry. “…I began to love them, not because they were the finest, most upstanding kinds in our student ministry, because they weren’t. They had their moments of upstanding-ness, and they had moments of absolute insanity. I loved them because they were mine, because we were us, because of the funny, sweet, and strange things they did and said. They became a central part of my world, my thoughts, my prayers.” I understand that love because I too had a group of teenage girls that were “mine.” A few weeks ago, one of them got married and I was THERE to my incredible delight!

At the age of fourteen, Claire let me into her life as both a mentor and a friend. I walked alongside her through some tumultuous years. She taught me so much. She may have also bestowed on me a few of my first grey hairs! She was a BIG reason why the boys and I extended our trip and went to the mountains. I wanted to be there for this milestone moment in her life. A few days before the wedding, we sat in a coffee shop catching up. I savored our conversation and found myself in tears at the end of it as I thought of all that Claire has been through, who she has become and the overarching beauty in her life. I was crying tears of joy and gratitude.

Two days later, the boys and I went to her Rehearsal dinner. Claire’s mother (Peggy) is E’s godmother. Being at the dinner felt like we were amongst family. I loved hearing all the thoughts and sentiments shared about Claire and her husband-to-be, Nathan.

On Saturday evening, we gathered in an apple orchard for Claire’s Wedding. I read some thoughts on love that Claire and Nathan chose from the book, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. I looked Claire in the eyes, standing there as beautiful as ever, and spoke these words, “When love beckons to you follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden…” There was more to the poem; this was just my part. Others read the rest. What an honor it was to be chosen to be one of the voices, once again, to speak into her life. These words felt significant, knowing Claire’s precious story. Love is transformational.

At the end of the ceremony, the parents of the couple spoke words of wisdom, love and blessings over their children. Nathan’s Mom shared the law of Science that states that all systems, if left to themselves, move from a state of order to disorder. In knowing this, we need to care for our relationships. What

Photos with the new Bride! The second photo is Claire’s family…she has two older sisters and two younger brothers.

 

The reception

 

This is Daniel, Nathan’s school friend from the Philippines.

He officiated the wedding. We actually have two friends in common, Claire and another one of “my girls.” I had heard about him over the years so it was fun to finally meet in person. Its crazy when worlds collide! I admired his passion as he led the ceremony.

I’m so grateful Claire and Nathan found each other! Their story is already profound and amazing and I feel fortunate to have been amongst the witnesses to stand for them in their marriage. Though distance no longer allows Claire and I to be so central in each other’s lives as we once were, the indelible mark she has left on me still brings her easily to my thoughts and prayers. For a few days, we rubbed shoulders again and spoke to each other of the gift our relationship has been over the years. I never imagined when we first hung out at a Fall Retreat her Freshman year that I would fly across the ocean to participate in her wedding. Life is ALL about relationships and Claire’s is definitely a sweet one!