Time away

Mickey, Carly, Michael and I were blessed to travel to Cincinnati this weekend to join family for a wedding celebration. Our lovely niece, Jennifer, was married on Saturday.

We traveled up on Friday to join the family at the rehearsal dinner, held at The Montgomery Inn, one of Cincy's famous rib joints. I must say that the ribs there were excellent, as was the chicken (HAD to get the combo!) Carly tried the Coho Salmon, she has been wanting to try salmon for a couple of weeks. It was good also.

On Saturday, we spent time visiting with family and watching the kids play in the pool. Michael enjoyed that, and he took a much needed nap prior to the wedding because of it! ALWAYS a blessing! Then we were off to the church.

Jennifer was a beautiful bride, and the wedding went off without a hitch... the reception was wonderful as well. The food was delicious, and we even got in a little dancing. This morning, we met with family for breakfast before heading back home. It was nice getting to spend so much time with family we don't get to see very often.

As we sat at the wedding, I couldn't help but listen intently to the service. The minister talked often about wishing Jen and Kevin "a love that would last as long as they were on this earth." I know that we all wish this for them as well, but as I sat there I couldn't help but pray for more... I prayed asking God to fill them with a desire to love HIM, because that love... it will go beyond a lifetime.... it will last FOREVER!

Even as a couple stands before a minister reciting their vows, I believe that they should be fully aware that for their marriage to work GOD must be at the center of their lives... and in this day and age I am not convinced that all couples have learned this before they take their vows. It is the single most important factor that will make what they feel on their special day last a lifetime.

And you know what??? Even if you have been married for a few hours... or a few years... it is NEVER TOO LATE to place God at the center of your marriage! It will mean the difference between a lifetime and forever!