My niece was married on Saturday, and it was a beautiful wedding that I was privileged to be a part of.  I took pictures and had fun observing the start of the couple’s life together.

I have been so preoccupied lately with stress in my life that I have not been enjoying the blessings God gives us so frequently throughout our Christian journey.  My niece’s wedding reminded me that even in life’s biggest storms, God provides times of refreshment, happiness, and new beginnings in Him.

The wedding also helped re-focus my attention on the joy of giving and bringing joy to others rather than worrying about ourselves.  I want to share a few things I pondered on during the wedding:

• People came together from distant towns and various backgrounds, and all were there for the same purpose:  to wish the bride and groom well and to share in their joy and their new beginning.
• Problems and personal issues were put aside for the time being (at least for the most part).  The joy on faces was obvious and real.  People beamed as they watched the happiness of the newly married couple.
• People gave, and doing so brought them joy.  Whether it was giving a gift, decorating beforehand, serving food, or cleaning up afterward, people thrilled at the opportunity to add to the bride and groom’s joy and to help make their day “perfect.”
• People enjoyed each other.  The visiting, fellowship, fun, and food were savored.  Differences and bickering were set aside.
• People were not focusing on themselves. The wedding guests  were focused on wishing the bride and groom well.  Additionally, they generated kind words and thoughtful acts of service for each other.

Obviously, life has its share of difficulties, marriage is hard work, and blissful wedding parties are not the day-to-day norm.  This is all the more reason that I need to appreciate everyday joys, celebrations of life, and new beginnings that God so frequently gives all of us.  I get so caught up in the “life is hard” mentality that I forget how to rejoice in the blessings.

My niece’s wedding brought joy, refreshment, and a reminder that Christians are headed to a place of perfect joy and celebration that will last for eternity.  That is something we Christians can rejoice in every day of our journey.