Invited

Ahhh…the boys look great. Neil is as handsome as ever, and I’m feeling a little on the pretty side, myself. This is the first wedding all four of our family members have been invited to attend. Usually, we receive an invitation, but let’s face it. Who wants loud children who can’t sit still, wiggling amongst the other guests while the bride and groom say, “I do?”

Yeah, well, today we are all going. The groom personally invited us. In fact, he made a point to say, “Make sure you bring the boys. I want to see them at my wedding.” Forcing back the tears, I promised they would attend.

So, here we are at the church. Neil and I are standing at the back of the sanctuary, he with one boy and I with the other. So far, I am pretty impressed at how well the boys are doing. Noah is repeating scenes from Eight Below when the dogs are barking. At least he’s barking in a whisper. Judah is talking in “Judah-jargon.” Both have their ears covered. People keep turning around and glaring at us, but, really, they’re not being loud at all. The butterflies in my stomach must have a caffeine buzz. The lady sitting directly in front of Judah just leaned over and whispered to her husband. Another glare. Now someone is whispering to Neil. Maybe she has another “seating” option for us to see our friends get married. The balcony, perhaps?

Yep. I was right. We were just asked to leave. Somehow those butterflies turned to a sack of soaking, wet rags. I think I might throw up. Neil says, “We’re staying. We’ll just stand in the foyer.” Tears are stinging my eyes like little needles as I focus on the groom finally getting his chance to say, “I do.”

Now, at the reception, the wedding coordinator apologizes profusely, and she assures me we are welcome. In fact, she just moved us to the head of the reception line to eat. Our friend, the groom, sees us and thanks us for coming. People are waiting to congratulate him, but he makes them wait. Taking his time, he makes sure we have been cared for. “Yes, we did get something to eat and drink, thank you.” Then long, tight hugs all around as we thank him for allowing us to attend his wedding. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so glad you came.”

On the way home, my thoughts are consumed with another Groom who has invited us to participate in His wedding. He longs for my boys to join in His wedding, too. I am faced with a similar choice. Do I allow what others say to discourage me from bringing my sons with me and teaching them to engage in the everlasting dance of eternity? Or shall I focus on the Groom and, regardless what others may say or do, teach my sons to say the words I learned to say: “I do?”