Jump Start # 860

Proverbs 4:1 “Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding.”

Special Note One: This Jump Start is unlike any I have written before. It is very personal. It is my thoughts to my daughter on her wedding day. I share this with you as we conclude our series on weddings and marriage.

Dear Sarah,

Today is your wedding day! Wow! What amazing words, “Your wedding day.” It’s finally here. Your mom has been busy for months getting things ready so this day will be so special for you. I think the folks at Hobby Lobby know us by name because we have been there nearly every day. But a long time ago, when you were still a little girl, I thought of this day. I knew that if God allowed me life, that I would walk you down the aisle on your wedding day. I have played that scene out in my mind dozens of times. And now, in a few hours, we actually get to do this.

Your mom and I watched “Father of the bride,” the other day. There is a scene in that movie that I fear may happen to us. The father never got a moment alone with his daughter on her wedding day. This evening, there will be so many friends and family and pictures and smiles and cakes and people wanting to wish you well, that I can see that happening to us. This is why I am writing this for you. This is my moment with you. I am so proud of you. Take a moment to take all of this in. This is an amazing day. It will go quickly.

You have always been my sweet princess. God blessed with me with four wonderful children. You were the only girl. You grew up with a house full of brothers and you learned to hold your own. I still remember picking you up after morning kindergartner. You’d show me the pictures that you drew that day and you would be so full of life and excitement. I loved all of your achievements, singing in choirs and watching you destroy a team with your razor serve in volleyball. You always knew I was in the stands because you could hear me cheering you on, often to your embarrassment. There was that special 4th of July when you asked me to baptize you into Jesus. I was so proud of you. As you grew, you became beautiful inside and out. Of all the kids, you scared us the most. Your car accident in Kansas City, when you were life lined to Research Hospital and your mom and I raced to see you. I was hoping that you were still alive. Prayers were answered. Then in New Albany, when you worked as a  bank teller and a robber pointed his gun at your head, I was so scared for you. God has kept you alive. God has had plans for you. He wasn’t finished with you!

One of my constant prayers has been that you would meet an incredible Christian man to marry. You dated several guys. I wondered what God was doing with some of them. I was hoping better for my princess. Then you met Jared, your prince. He is amazing. The two of you together will have an a great journey with the Lord. With Jared at your side, you both, will be able to do wonderful things for the Lord.

Sarah, you have a lot of me in you. I see that. You have a heart that cares. God gave you a greater dose of that than He did me. That is what defines you and makes you so special. You care. You always have. You are passionate and spirited, like me. That has to be channeled and when it is, nothing will stop you. People will disappoint you and frustrate you. They do me. But with that spirit and your hard work ethic, you will continue on. Nothing will stop you. You are driven, and much like me, when we get our mind on something, get out of the way, because here we come. Use those talents in positive ways.

Jared adores you. I see that. Please, don’t take that for granted. There are thousands of people who would love to be in your shoes today, not just to get married, but to find someone who truly loves you and cares for you, as you are. You have filled an empty spot in his heart and you have given him an energy that he hasn’t seen before. Treasure that. Bless him often. Thank God daily for him. There will be some common, plain and uneventful days of your journey. Remember, to get to the mountains, you must drive through Kansas. There’s not much to Kansas. But it’s worth it to get to the mountains. Some days will be stressful. Some days you will feel pulled in many directions. Just remember how special it is to come home to someone who loves you and cherishes you. Do the same toward him.

Continue to grow together in the Lord. Talk about lessons together. Pray together. Read the Bible together. The more “together” you can put into this the better it will be.

I am so happy for you. I am glad that you have someone who you can trust, love and cherish. I am glad that there is someone who can share life with you and go with you further down the road. You have found someone who wants the best for you. He wants you to go to Heaven. He will help you, guide you and be your best friend. In many ways, when I walk you down the aisle, I am giving Jared the keys to your heart, something that has been very special to me for a long time. I have tried to protect your heart, mold your heart and guide your heart. And now I give Jared the keys to your heart. I trust him with those keys. He will be able to do things and help you in ways I cannot. As John the Baptist said of his work, he must decrease and Jesus must increase, so it is with our relationship. I’ve taken you as far as I can. I am thankful that someone so kind, wise, and thoughtful can now go with you. God bless you both on your special day and on this incredible journey you begin together in life.

You will always be my sweet, sweet princess.

Love,

Dad

Special Note Two: Well, I did it again. I did even intend to this time. I have written 10 articles about weddings and marriage. I will be putting these in a booklet. I did plan to do this, but it just worked that way. If you would like one of these drop me an email at: Rogshouse@aol.com