Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A Son's Wedding - A Mother's Transition

It has been a whirlwind weekend for our family.  We headed off last Thursday to join my son and prepare for his wedding on Saturday, on my birthday.  






Family came from all parts and we had a wonderful family reunion after the rehearsal on Friday.  

































Then came the big event on Saturday.  It was beautiful and lots of tears were shed by Mom, (that's me).  


My Children were all in the wedding, the groom in the middle.

Of course they were happy tears, sort of.  I didn't think this would be as difficult as it is.   After all, isn't this what we get them ready for - to go off on their own, live their own lives, start their own families?




Really it isn't that I am not happy for the bride and groom.  I am.  They love each other and they bring out the best in each other.  What is difficult are these transitions.  It is like you are leaving behind one life and beginning another.  Transitions are difficult.  You know an era has passed.  That's a hard thing on a personal level for me.  Even happy transitions are hard things for some of us.



And so, though I should be rejoicing, and I am, I am also struggling with the emotional tumult of transition.  I feel bad for my family because I am sure I am a bit salty right now.  But salt brings flavor and salt preserves; so perhaps I'm adding something good with my internal wrestling match as it flavors their lives.



I am spending extra time with the Lord lamenting the emotions that accompany transition.  I am not complaining.  There isn't anything to complain about.  Look at this beautiful couple!  It is a wonderful thing, marriage.  

I am confessing, confessing that I want to be as joyful as I know I should be, but I am not there yet.  I am thanking, thanking God for the beautiful bride He has given my son, and the wonderful family He has blessed us with.  I am praising, praising God for who He is and how He works all these things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  I am just resting, dwelling in His presence so that my lament will turn to praise and thanksgiving and contentment and joy.   



Buck and Anna Dunn, married May 11, 2013 

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24


 Thank you to those who have passed along awards to my blog.  I appreciate you and will get to the responses eventually.  And thanks for coming by and celebrating this joyous time with me too. 




28 comments:

  1. This post moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing. Mine are still young, but I will be there one day too. And Lord willing so will this happy couple.
    Praying for God's comfort as you are in this transition time.

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    1. Thank you D. Wish I could return the visit. I appreciate your kind prayers. I am blessed. God bless, Maria

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  2. That was beautiful and the pictures told a wonderful story. Even good things draw grief from the depths of our hearts sometimes. And as you said, that grief is good. I love your words, "I feel bad for my family because I am sure I am a bit salty right now. But salt brings flavor and salt preserves; so perhaps I'm adding something good with my internal wrestling match as it flavors their lives." What an insightful way to express that.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Karin and for your kind words. Yes even good things have their corner of grief. I am grateful the Lord shows us how grow through it and not wallow in it. It stretches us into who He wants us to be if we stretch with Him. God bless, Maria

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  3. That was beautiful.

    Congratulations to the happy couple - and to your family!

    My dearest friend's eldest just got married 10 days ago and we've talked a lot about the transition she's just walking through.

    I suspect even just as you acknowledge different feelings you'll get to the place where it's joy and peace and contentment. I'll continue to pray!

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    1. Thank you Leese. I am sure I can relate to your friend. And yes, it is good to acknowledge what you are feeling as long as you don't let it govern. The governing belongs to the Lord and then joy and peace and understanding will abound. God bless, Maria

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  4. I got through a box of Kleenex reading this,
    I got married on my mother's birthday and that for a start brought back memories.
    This was a wonderful post and thank you for inviting us, had a lovely time.
    May the happy couple have a happy, healthy life together.
    Yvonne.

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    1. Thank you Yvonne. I can imagine how your mom felt that day. I am glad I was able to stir your fond memories. God bless, Maria

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  5. When you live deep in the Lord, Maria...even the good stuff is felt in the recesses of your heart...where He is. For me, the good stuff brings way more tears than the bad. I guess because the joys in life reveal God's amazing grace and love in ways too deep for words...even words of praise...so we shed tears instead. Great post...thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for your insight Grace. God bless, Maria

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  6. Aww! It looks like it was a beautiful wedding.

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    1. Yes, Cherie, It was a beautiful wedding. Thanks for stopping by. God bless, Maria

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  7. Writing is a form of cleansing therapy. Your words were honest and true. Life is always full of changes. HE never keeps us in the same place very long because He knows we will stagnate. In the years ahead, these changes will bring unending joy as you sit back and watch all the offspring of your offspring play. Just like your Mom used to say as she looked at all her children and grandchildren, " None of you would be here without Me"....lol
    Love,
    Dina

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    1. I have been thinking about Mom too, Dina, and how she would have loved to be there on Saturday which only brings more tears. But yes, I know that there will be many joys ahead. Love you. Maria

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  8. Maria,
    That was beautiful! Congratulations to your family!

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  9. May looking back bring you only happiness, and looking forward bring joyous anticipation. You are right, this is the exact thing we work for all while they are growing up, and if they can settle into adulthood with joy and a companion who matches them in many ways, that is a good thing indeed.

    You are right in that transitions are a challenge, and hopefully you are quickly able to adjust. Peace, my friend!
    tm

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    1. Hi Tracy, I am sure there are many wonderful adventures ahead. Thank you for your well wishes and encouragement. God bless, Maria

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  10. What a lovely couple Maria. The pictures are just beautiful. Change sometimes can be difficult for Mothers when it comes to our children. I pray that you find peace with what comes in the future for yourself and the newly joined couple.

    Your friend..Jen @ We're Living A Full Life

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    1. Thanks Jen. I appreciate your encouragement and kind comments. God bless, Maria

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  11. What a happy day for all! Beautiful children, too. Congratulations!!

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    1. Thank you Sharon. It certainly was a happy day. God bless, Maria

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  12. Beautiful!My husbands sister got married on Saturday and she had been living in our upstairs the past 6 months so I am also missing her alot this week!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Leah. Change is hard even when you know its good. I hope you can see your sister-in-law often. You are obviously close. God bless, Maria

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  13. It looks like it was a beautiful wedding. Many congrats to your son and daughter-in-law—and happy birthday to you! ☺

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  14. The pictures are beautiful, Maria. Thank you for sharing them. May your son and daughter in law have a long, blessed life together. I can imagine it would be a difficult transition for you, but I know you're savoring your blessings.

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  15. Hi Maria. I see you are taking a blog vacation as well. Enjoy your time!

    Also wanted you to know I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award over at my blog. Come take a look! (no pressure)

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  16. Transitions are tough. The wedding looked so lovely, though!

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I delight in hearing your thoughts!