As the wedding day of our daughter approached, the details and plans for the big day increased with velocity and excitement while carrying on the normal routine and tasks of everyday life. For the first time, I was being called "Mother-of-the-Bride."
I remembered back to the days of anticipation of the day I became a bride myself. So much preparation took place on my behalf by Mom and church friends while I was away at college. Countless details were considered with regard to what would create a beautiful beginning day of marriage. In the church where I married my husband, there was (still is) a beautiful stained glass window with a cross designed in it. It was a focal point behind us and a reminder in pictures that our marriage was not only a gift to us, but also to others as a picture of the love of Jesus Christ.
All of the wedding details and preparations come together to create a memorable picture of the Gospel through God's institution of marriage of a man and woman choosing to become husband and wife.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" has been added to my earthly titles, I question the time that I was just "Mom." Did I teach her what she needed to know? Did I point her to the One Who has all the answers? When my daughter was a baby, I had expectations that she would one day grow up, but I didn't realize how quickly that would be. She has grown into a beautiful young lady. I know my heart has always desired the best for her, but what could I have done better as a Mom? I wonder what I would change if I had learned what I know now? As believers, life is school until we graduate to Heaven.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" on her wedding day, I was so blessed knowing the woman she has become, and I have full confidence she will be the best wife for her new husband. There were a few awkward moments where I didn't know what to do on that day in the specialness of it, but it was my first "daughter wedding," so I try to give myself grace when I overthink these things. It was a physical, emotional, and spiritual event for our family.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" to now another wife and sister-in-Christ, I glory in the goodness of God in giving her a husband who loves God and her. The prayers and hopes of a once little girl were answered in His timing.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" miles away from my girl, I rest in the care of my Heavenly Father Who has proven faithful in caring for me being miles away from my family. His sovereign ways are trustworthy.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" and mother to her eight siblings and two bonus sisters, I watched them all work together to create simply beautiful wedding day spaces, participate in the meaningful ceremony, and give sibling support. I pray they will always love and encourage each other across the miles.
As "Mother-of-the-Bride" and wife to the Father-of-the-Bride, I look forward to growing old together with him and seeing what God has in store for our newly married children!
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