[Contents]My son was getting married. Normally, this
is a time of rejoicing for everyone, especially for the parents,
unless the bride and groom are pregnant, but, as they weren’t,
this should have been an enjoyable event, but it wasn’t.
Sevilla and I disapproved of the girl he
was going to marry. We felt he was too immature to and irresponsible
and they were too incompatible for a lasting relationship. As
it turned out, we were right, but our objections were unwelcome
for these headstrong young people, so they went ahead with their
plans without consulting us.
Several days before the wedding, there was
a rehearsal at the church. It was at this time that they m anifested
their displeasure over our objections for Sevilla and I were totally
ignored. Wether this was a realistic appraisal of the circumstances
or simply an oversight on the part of two excited, star-struck
children, I can’t assess from hindsight.
As the evening wore on, I became more and
more incensed. Making our escape early, I took Sevilla home then
walked to a mall for some quiet time to think and pray. I was
furious and vowed not to attend their wedding. We wouldn’t
be missed anyway, I told myself. As it turned out, I was right.
Sitting on the edge of a cement flower pot, I fumed my rage. I
am not normally expressive with my emotions, but that night they
were tumbling all over the place.
I don’t know how the Lord does these
things, but gradually, my anger subsided enough for retinal thought
to intrude. I consider my responsibilities as an adult and a parent.
While I believed our son and his fiancee were immature, that didn’t
mean I should act in a similar manner myself. The Lord soothed
my ruffled feathers and offended ego until better judgment took
hold.
I prayed.
Prayer is often thought of as beneficial
for someone else but God often changes our heart through communion
with Him. As I prayed about my anger, resentment, and bitterness,
these emotions drained out of me like water from a broken bucket
until I was dry.
God gave me the grace to attend their wedding
without manifesting a petulant attitude. Was the wedding a wonderful,
joyous event, yes, for them, but not for us. Sensing that we weren’t
wanted, we made an early departure.
The point to this testimony is simple, God’s
grace enables us to do that which is impossible for us in our
own human strength. I don’t know if our presence was meaningful
to our son, his bride, or anyone else, but it was expected and
the right thing to do. Without the Lord, I would have made a fool
of myself and created lasting hurt and pain. While they might
not appreciate our presence, they would most assuredly resent
our absence.
Praise the Lord!
[Contents]