In a few days, my son will be married.  It’s a bit of fairy tale, with these two.  They’ve known each other since middle school Spanish class.  “Miguel” and “Dora” became buds.  Like hand in glove, they fit together. They are the stuff of story books and happily ever afters.  They make it all look so easy. 

My son, Cole, is a Worship leader and Savannah, his bride, is an elementary school teacher.  They are both wise and kind, passionate and faith-filled, handsome and beautiful… and oh, so very much in love.

It’s hard, in moments like this, to not say something… To not offer a blessing, a word, a benediction.  I have been praying, I think, for my future daughter-in-law since my son was born, cognizant that this day would one day come.  I am grateful to witness how God has anointed these two with a sturdy love, one that will withstand the storms, because they are rooted so deeply in Him.

Solomon wrote Proverbs so that he could hand down to his son, and for us all, the virtues of life.  He spoke of keeping our hearts faithful, eyes on Him, and to be wary of stepping off the path of righteousness.  How easily this can happen if our minds or our vision wanders; if we compare, if we stray.

In the few words I have here, I offer some heart-felt thoughts of a modern day mom.  I’ve learned a few things in my years, and I share them from a well, deep with love and some hard-earned experience.

These are things I wish someone had said to me when I was starting out in life ~

Pray together.  

Know that God will see you through every difficulty, big and small.

Offer grace generously, seeing the best in each other no matter what.

Love each other, deeply.

Forgive quickly.  

Say you’re sorry.

Acknowledge each other’s perspective, even when it’s hard to understand.  

Remember that words wound.  Choose them wisely.

No matter how old you get, don’t stop holding hands in parking lots or walking side by side.  Ever.

Honor your covenant daily — in all the big and little ways.  

Don’t let things fester… talk it out.

Laugh often.  It’s the little moments you remember most.

Never forget, that if you have each other, you have everything.

Share the burdens and the chores.

Protect each other’s confidences and trust.

If you think he or she won’t mind, you could be wrong.

Don’t take one another for granted.  

Little surprises are the sweetest.

It’s not about you — it’s about “us.”

Always have each other’s back.  Always.

Say “I love you,” when you hang up the phone or say goodnight. 

Never, ever give up on each other. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says,  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  If you remember only this one Scripture, you will have the answers to most everything.

My heart is filled to overflowing. I am so very proud of my son and his wife.  They are blessed beyond measure, with family and friends who love them and are cheering them on.  They have have big hearts, big dreams, big love, and big faith.  

The big day is coming.  Hold on and and cherish every moment. 

The Best is Yet to Come.