The Wedding

Yesterday I sang for a wedding. Not just any wedding, but that of my niece, Amy. I have no children of my own, so my nieces, nephews, and great nieces are special to me. 

The wedding was fairly short and sweet. Because it was not in a church, the "exit music" allowed for some creativity. Amy is a huge fan of the late Elvis Presley, and I cracked up as they exited the chapel area to the strains of "Burning Love!" 

The reception was fun. I got a kick out of watching the young people dance. This was not the lame dancing I remember from my younger days. These kids all knew complex routines to songs such as "Footloose." A tall boy with red hair was obviously having the time of his life as he skillfully dominated the dance floor. 

I must admit, I was extremely impressed with the young people in the bridal party. These kids are future medical professionals, teachers, lawyers, and scientists. They managed the wedding quite well and were unfailingly kind and helpful to me. My hope for the future was renewed as I interacted with these young folks. 

Of course, I think the bride is the most beautiful there ever was. And the groom is a keeper. He loves my niece, and I have gained a nephew. I know that he will take care of her to the best of his ability.

This one is going to stick. 

Lessons

I have learned a lot about myself the week. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I found out just how angry I can get when sufficiently provoked. I realized just how much my art, such as it is, means to me. I have more of my mother in me than I thought. And I have come a long way from the totally non-assertive person who sat crying in a counselor's office 25 years ago. 

I don't want to become one of those perpetually angry and bitter people. You know the type. They are never happy with anything. I am working at not holding on to anger. But, I am learning to be at peace with being human. With losing my cool every now and then. With standing up for myself and what is right. 

Someday, I hope to be more comfortable with justified and properly expressed anger. I am not there yet, but I am working on it. I have many friends to thank for listening to me these past few days and the reassurance they have provided. 

Even Jesus lost his cool with the money changers. Sometimes anger is the appropriate response. 

And that is OK. 



 

June (Off to the Races!)

I looked at my calendar this morning and realized the long awaited month of June had arrived. 

This is going to be an busy, exciting, and emotional month for me and my loved ones.

This weekend, friends arrive to attend a fiberfest and to sing at my little church in Hermanville with me. 


 Next weekend, we get my niece, Amy married off to her beloved Craig. But, not before days of making wedding favors, bridal luncheons, and rehearsal. 

Two days after the wedding, my husband and I leave for his family reunion at Lake Taneycomo, Missouri. As I am not able to be out in the heat to hike and fish, I hope to be inside my air conditioned cabin, painting. Hopefully, I will be able to lure the occasional person in to play a game of Scrabble. 

The weekend I return from the family visiting, We will be saying goodbye to our beloved minister at Hermanville UMC. I am sure that tears will be involved. The following weekend, we greet our new minister. As lay leader, I am working to help make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Looking forward to a crazy, busy, and hopefully, fun June!