July 23 – “The Surprise Guest”

I officiated at another destination wedding. As inevitably happens, this one had its share of bloopers, too. The couple was coming in from Tyler, Texas, and wanted to be here in plenty of time to relax a bit before the stress of the wedding really kicked in. So they booked a flight to arrive the afternoon before. But when they arrived at the ticket counter to pick up their tickets, they discovered that their teenage daughter had forgotten her ID. They negotiated and pleaded, but all to no avail. They eventually ended up missing the flight and forfeiting $2000. They were forced to drive the six or so hours to Galveston. So much for the relaxing afternoon. 

Once here, they finally got settled, though, and reached for their swimsuits to enjoy the wonderful Galveston weather. And ... realized that they had left the wedding dress back in Tyler. A frantic call to one of their employees and a fervent promise to pay him for his time led to that employee making the drive with dress and saving the day. He drove all night and the bride began a vigil on her balcony starting around 5:30 a.m. He finally arrived at 7:30 a.m. in plenty of time for the 11a.m. wedding. 

Well, I guess it was more of an 11:20 wedding. Island time and all. When the groom saw his bride walking in with her Dad, he said "my God" about ten times with varying inflections ranging from surprise to downright awe. 

When I asked, "Who presents this woman to be married to this man?" her Dad said, "My Mom and I do and her children and I do."  So his Mom would be Grandma, right? And the kids. Sorry about that, Mother of the Bride. 

Finally, as I was doing the benediction, an uninvited guest joined us in the gazebo.  A butterfly flittered right up behind the couple. A white butterfly. The symbolism and application opportunities abounded. But I held back. Maybe I can use that one in a sermon sometime. 

Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Father, thank you for sending a special little envoy to that wedding.  I think they will remember their surprise guest.  Amen.