When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

Just a short post for today. I simply want to share an impression that touched my heart from the wedding Rebekah and I attended Friday evening.

Rebekah was asked to do the ceremony because of a connection through our church. However – other than meeting the couple when they came in for their sessions with Rebekah – the bride’s mother and Karen Pettyjohn (who played piano with her usual mastery) were the only people we knew.

The location was a sumptuous country club over in Cary. Brooke and Sam were married on a magnificent stairway in the grand ballroom with a chandelier the size of a baseball diamond.

It was a beautiful ceremony. Rebekah connected with the crowd in a way that put everyone at ease; she won them over instantly, and she invited the presence of God as if the ballroom was a sanctuary.

And she wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity to share the Good News with 175 attentive people. She read three challenging passages of scripture, and preached about the fact that every relationship must depend on faithfulness to God, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the power of the presence of Jesus if it is to engage its full potential.

And isn’t that what we long for, when we stand in front of a room full of witnesses and pledge to love each other with our very best, and for the balance of our lives?

Later, during the reception, I looked to the grand staircase, overflowing with young adults who were there to encourage their friends in this new commitment; and I wondered about how equipped any of them are to face the interval between where they are, and where Rebekah and I stand, enjoying the richness of 35-plus years of love and faith and struggle and unrelenting life.

My heart went out to them; beautiful, young, enthusiastic; bubbling with joy and anticipation; vulnerable; on the brink of so much.

Jesus defied convention, Rebekah pointed out, by demonstrating that the best wine – the best of everything – isn’t served first, and it doesn’t ever have to run out. So long as we invite the source of life, light, creativity, and purpose into the epicenter of our relationships and our future.

Life is difficult. Marriage is an epic adventure. God intends to accompany us on the journey. How can we communicate the truth of that promise to such a secular world?

– DEREK