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There is something for everyone who attends a wedding. For those who are already married it is a wonderful time to recall your own marriage and the vows you took years ago. For those who are thinking someday the words speak to you about the commitment that you will be undertaking and how serious it is.

I believe if you go to a wedding just to show up then you have missed a grand opportunity to both worship God and to learn something about yourself in the process. If you just show up you have not only wasted your dry cleaning bill you have wasted some precious time as well. Please allow me the next few moments to share with you some precious reminders and lessons I learn at weddings, because it is more than just a ceremony.

• Your vows are serious, be careful what you say in front of God and your family. Listen to your vows, find the ceremony performed by the pastor, most have them around and read through them again and remind yourself of what you promised your spouse and God on your wedding day. (if you have failed in any area it is never too late, ask for forgiveness from God and your spouse and recommit to live those vows out the remainder of your marriage)
• There are a lot of friends standing around you. Most are very careful about who they ask to be in a wedding. We should be just as careful in our life that we pick the right friends that are going to support us and keep us accountable after we are married.
• By the way if you are chosen to be in someone’s wedding then take that seriously not only for the hour you are a part of a ceremony. Always make yourself available for this couple. Consider yourself a part of the marriage not just the wedding. You were a good enough friend to be in the wedding that makes you a good enough friend to be there for them in the years to come.
• A wedding is always well attended by family. A marriage should be as well. I look around and there is the mom, dad, brothers, grandparents and the list goes on. Family is a must at a wedding and a must afterwards. This is your support system; hang onto it as best you can.
• No wedding I have ever been to has gone off perfect even though let me assure you most expect it to. No marriage will ever go off perfect either even though most expect it to. When it goes wrong keep on going. I tell most people that I perform there ceremony that if you miss a word keep right on going no one else will know but you. It is the same for the rest of your life. If you make a mistake take care of it but keep on going, few will know and even if they do it does not matter. Shake it off and keep on going. A wedding is not ruined by a couple of mistakes and a marriage is not either if you have the proper attitude.
• Celebrate with one another. The receptions I go to that last a long time are always the most fun. Family and friends gather together for a meal, dancing and lots of laughter. It is great to celebrate; lets don’t just hold it to one day. Learn to celebrate with others and share their joy.

Married or not a wedding teaches about love, commitment, joy, friendship and God. It definitely is not just a ceremony.

Prayer: Ephesians 5: 31-33, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Prayer: Dear Lord for those who are married we pray to pay close attention to you, and our spouse. Give us the power to also take care of that relationship. For those who are hurt through the pains of divorce, separations, abuse or who just long for someone special I pray that God will touch you with His spirit and you may know the significance of your life and His love for you. For us all; may we learn to celebrate with one another, to hold each other accountable and to see God in the goodness of love in all of our relationships. We ask these things in Christ name, Amen.