Jump Start # 1216

Proverbs 31:10 “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.”

A Note to our Jump Start Readers: This evening, my youngest child gets married. This is the last one in our family to get married. He has chosen a beautiful Christian to marry. They are very fun to watch, so good for each other and so committed to the Lord. This is a personal thought from a dad to his son, to my son, on his wedding day. I share this for all moms and dads out there.

Dear Joel,

This evening is your wedding day. Your mom and I are so very, very happy for you. You have chosen a special girl to marry. We love Katie and welcome her into our family. This is our fourth time going through this wedding thing. Your sister’s wedding was special because she was the only girl in the family. The other two boys each found wonderful and godly people to marry. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ve having a harder time letting you go than the other boys. I guess it may be because you have been around longer than they were but I think really, because for a long, long time you and I have done so much together. You were my regular golfing partner for years. When there was work to be done, it was you that I always depended upon. We’ve sat through countless movies together, gone shooting together, journeyed through the Walking Dead seasons together, and have just shared life. You have been a joy to me and I am very, very proud of you. I know you will always be there for me, but I also know that today, someone official takes my place, as it should be.  Katie will be the one that you now share life with and grow together with. This is as God intended it to be.

Jesus said a man must leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. The leaving part is what is tugging on my heart this day. A part of me never wants to let you go, but I must. I have been so blessed by the Lord with you. The memories could fill pages of books. We have laughed and enjoyed life in such a warm and special relationship. I treasure that you always invited me. You never felt funny to have dad around. I hope some day you may have a son that you can share that special bond together as we have.

Today is your wedding day. You and Katie happened to pick the same day that your mom and I got married on. That is so special to us. I pray that you both will grow closer to each other and that you two together will be the wonderful servant that you have been always these years. There are so many great things that the two of you can do together for the Lord. There are many, many people that you can encourage and bless as you already have.

You have always been the baby in the family, the last one. The last one to go to school. The last one to drive. The last one to graduate. And now, the last one to get married. But you have proven that you are not last, but a leader in so many ways. People look up to you. They honor your advice. You are a true friend to others. Cherish that. Use that wisely. God has blessed you, forgiven you and helped you. Always walk closely with the Lord.

You came into this world in a very unique fashion. I was honored to baptize you into Christ. It has thrilled my heart to see you leading God’s people in singing praises. You are gifted uniquely by the Lord. And now on this day, God has allowed me breath and life to see you promise your heart to the love of your life. Few things are more thrilling to a parent as these are.

Honor sweet Katie. Help her to grow in the Lord. Lead her to Heaven. She is giving you the most precious thing that she has and that is her heart. Be kind with it. Always make her feel glad that she married you. Together, honor the Lord in your relationship.

I hope your blessings to be many and your trials few.

God bless you both on this, your special day. Your wedding Day.

Thank you for being my more than just a son to me, but a friend.

I will always love you,

Dad.