Nothing marks times like weddings and funerals. Fortunately, yesterday’s news was about the former rather than the latter. Our daughter Holly and her boyfriend Brandon shared their marriage engagement with us last night at Olive Garden. Janet and I couldn’t be happier for Holly and Brandon. We believe that they are a literal match made in heaven. Holly Dance and Brandon Vining met several years ago at OBU’s (Ouachita Baptist University) worship arts camp. Then two years ago, they enrolled as freshmen at OBU and have been dating ever since. Now they run an Animal Shelter between classes (now HSU) and are maturing before our eyes into adults. There I said it….Adults. Marriage. Wedding. Career. Kids/Grandkids…and other things that mark time are coming, ready or not. Am I ready for the changes that are coming…or not? Are you ready for the next season of your life?
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). How do I respond to and even prepare for life-changes and seasons? Will I be ready…or not? I am of the opinion that our readiness is related to who is in charge. If someone who knows what they are doing is in charge, everything will be ready. That reasoning applys to life-altering events like marriage, careers, children, grandchildren…you get the idea. I have a hunch that as a parent, I am not in charge of any of these things anymore, as it relates to Holly. That was so last season.
When a child becomes an adult, there is usually an awkward transition that happens between the parent and child. A transfer of power, if you will. Don’t’ sweat it, because it is a natural part of God’s plan for the newlyweds to “leave” their father and mother and “cleave” to each other (Gen 2:24; Mark 10:7; Matt 19:5). Brandon and Holly are doing an admiral job at both transitions. It is painful to watch when other young adults take too long to “leave” their parents, or only half-heartedly “cleave” to each other after the wedding. Often the couple is not ready for the transition or next season because the wrong person is in charge of that relationship.
My prayer for my sweet daughter and her fiancé, is that Jesus would be the leader of their marriage. I also pray that Holly would respectfully submit to Brandon’s leadership, as Brandon unselfishly and sacrificially loves Holly – “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph 5:22,25; Phil 2:2-3). It won’t surprise anyone that I pray for them to always love the beautiful Bride of Christ by staying connected to a local church. This time-proven, divinely inspired game plan for marriage works well for all who use it. If Jesus is in charge of their relationship, they will be ready for all of life’s upcoming changes and seasons…and so will you.
So exactly when is Holly’s wedding? Don’t ask me, I’m not really in charge anymore.
