Weddings and Widows

Amidst the daily life of gardening, cleaning house, reading to my children, laughing, and everyday things, there are tucked those special times to stop and celebrate life. Monday night my daughter's former college roommate had a Wedding Shower. Like most, it had lots of good friends, good food, good presents. But it was even more special to me because I got to see several old friends that I hadn't seen in some time, including a wonderful friend who was recently widowed. Her life is such a witness to everyone around her, even during troubles and pain. Her dear husband loved the Lord dearly and had spent his life teaching preachers from his brilliant mind and humble heart, and had touched many, many lives, especially during his long battle with cancer. My friend's smile is amazing and her peace in the Lord is visible to everyone. She has always had a love, knowledge and skill with flowers and as she shared a very special bouquet (tussie-mussie) with the bride-to-be, she shared the meaning of each flower and vine included, each one as a reminder of what true marriage with the Lord as head of the family actually looks like. Some that I remember are ivy - eternal, friendship; dianthis - steady; rose- passion; daisy - innocence; oak - faithfulness, fidelity; rosemary - spice of life; dusty miller - work; and many more that I do not remember. It was a beautiful bouquet and a wonderful reminder of the fact that true marriage is between 2 people and one Awesome and Faithful God who can create and mend anything! This dear woman of God shared all this in a very loving and fun way when it has been only a matter of weeks since she lost the love of her life. What a wonderful testimony to all of us! Thanks, Cindy - what a privilege to know you and love you as a sister in Christ!