Wedding Preparations

​I recently traveled to Minnesota to attend my niece’s wedding. My husband and I arrived several days prior to the ceremony so we could help with the preparations such as setting up the wedding venue and decorating the reception area. Despite the chaos, it was apparent my sister had a plan, and as the family worked together, the hall was transformed into a beautiful expression of love.

At the beginning of Friday’s rehearsal, the pastor asked everyone what the goal was for the following day. We all laughed and agreed our purpose was to get Michaela and Kollin married. Everything that followed contributed to that objective.
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Throughout the process God reminded me how our Christian walk as the Bride of Christ is comparable to Michaela’s wedding preparations:

• My niece and her fiancé didn’t let the mayhem and occasional squabble distract them from the joy of getting married. In the same way, we shouldn’t let the disappointments or frustrations of life rob us of the job of our salvation.
• When disruptions occurred, confusion ensued, so we referred to the checklist and reminded ourselves of the goal. Sometimes we get so caught up doing work for the kingdom, we forget the ultimate goal – wooing people into God’s family. Referring back to the “checklist,” the Bible, we can keep our eye on God’s purpose.
• The love between Michaela and Kollin is fresh. They don’t take each other for granted. They reveled in being together and preparing for their wedding day. No matter how long we’ve been Christians, we need to spend time with God, working on our relationship to prevent it from getting stale.

The wedding came off without a hitch, and God added a special blessing to the ceremony by providing a gorgeous, sunny day.

“You are my God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, I extol You. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 118: 28-29 (NASB)

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Linda Shenton Matchett

​With a BA in Psychology and Masters in Human Resource Management, Linda Matchett has had a wide and varied career as a crisis counselor, HR generalist, B&B owner and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar & Catering Manager at Brewster Academy. A journalist and blogger, she has written for numerous online and print publications. An author of Christian contemporary and historical fiction, Linda is also a a motivational speaker. Available topics include Life on the (WWII) Home Front, Wartime Baking, Women in the (WWII) Workforce, The Writer’s Life, God in the Workplace, The Proverbs 31 Gal: The Woman We Love to Hate, and Ruth: Lessons from a Foreigner. Linda is a member of First Baptist Church Wolfeboro where she sings in the choir and serves as Church Treasurer and a member of the Fellowship Team.