One of the greatest honors I have had in being a campus minister is in being the officiant at the ceremony of many former students' weddings. It's amazing to stand there at the altar, see the bride coming down the aisle, and to go back in time for a moment to consider just how far the couple has come. In most of these cases, I have known one or both parties since the day they gave their life to the Lord, and in all of these cases, the path has been far from easy.
I think back to all of the meetings on campus; the discipleship appointments; the late night hanging out; all of the meals together and laughter; holding hands and comforting through difficult times; and of course the joy of the engagement and wedding planning.
One comment the groom made at the rehearsal dinner took me aback. He got up and began thanking his friends and family, and then thanked me for my influence in his life. He said, "I remember one time when we began to get to know each other, and you said the kind of relationship you wanted wasn't superficial, but that you wanted to be there when I got married and my kids were born, and look, here you are. I really appreciate that kind of example."
I thought, "I said that? That sounds pretty good... I guess I did say that. How about that."
I guess my thought here is that if we will persevere with the students we are called to work with, and "labor until Christ is formed" in them, our reward will be most gratifying- seeing many of them take the next big steps in their life and helping them get to where God has called them to go.
Thanks, Troy and Sabrina, for letting me be a part of your day.
Oh, and thanks, Carrie, for sticking with me. 8 years goes fast and slow all at the same time when you have 4 children...
