Last weekend my son married his bride… a second time. You see, we are living in a COVID world and things are a little weird right now. On May 9, as originally scheduled, the couple married in a small ceremony with parents and siblings present. Just a few months later, they renewed their vows and celebrated with many more family and friends. I am grateful for both of those amazing experiences!

Bride and Groom had a small wedding and then they had a big wedding. The beautiful bride adorned her enchanting dress not once but twice. The Cake. Yep, we had it two times. Both days were special. The first was under some strain of giving up a dream, yet it was intimate and momentous. The second, still under some strain regarding health and safety of guests, was celebratory and full of joy.

In the middle of the two weddings I observed a couple who are in love, navigating some pretty difficult challenges. But COVID would not have the last word on this story. The reason? Jesus’ joy rested firmly on the players.

I experienced and witnessed this joy on each person involved in this wedding story. We never lost sight of the reason for the occasion. An eternal love commitment was the goal. It commenced on May 9 and then pronounced 139 days later.

I do not wish this method of wedding events for anyone; it is not for the faint of heart. However, what a privilege to know even when dreams seemed dashed, joy can still be present. Our families chose to hold fast to what mattered most. For us, this was a pursuit of Jesus and a union of love.

It is true, some days are better than others. We experienced two special days with some not so great days in-between. But the in-between days reminded us joy does not live in our circumstances. It is who we are.