Between the summer of 1998 and Christmas of 1999, the original Pearson 5 went into Wedding Marathon Mode. Yes. All three Pearson children got married between August 1, 1998 and December 18, 1999. It required notebook upon notebook of appointments, decisions and plans . . . and Steve would add lots of checks being written. Gulp!
In addition to choosing dresses, cakes, music, reception food, flowers, invitation styles and a million other details, both girls had their receptions at our house (requiring major landscaping work), and our son got married in Birmingham the week before Christmas. Whoa!!!
I believe that all three couples got what they were hoping for out of their special days, and my mind only brings back a few hiccups after all these years. But, what I’m thinking about today are all of the friends who contributed to the merriment with prenuptial parties and TONS of beautiful gifts.
There were engagement parties, bridal teas, family recipe parties, tea towel showers, tool and gadget barbecues, a Christmas brunch, kitchen showers, linen showers, bridesmaids luncheons and even a Sip ‘n See where friends were invited to come, drink a refreshing summer drink and oohh and aahhh over all of the pretty presents. Our friends were the ones who hosted these events, and they showered Steve and me with love and generosity, as well as our children. We were overwhelmed with their hard work and willingness to invest in our children’s happy times during those months. If you’re reading this, you know who you are. Please know how much I still treasure all you did in those months for our children.
Tonight a couple of friends and I are hosting a shower for a dear friend’s daughter. It feels really good to do for someone else — even if it’s just in a small way — what others did for me. The other hostesses and I have known the bride’s Mom and Dad for at least 40 years. We love the family dearly and hope we can make their daughter feel special.
The New International Version sums up Matthew 7:12 like this:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The Message paraphrase puts it this way:
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.”
When Jesus gave us that command, He knew what an extraordinary environment it would create and how fulfilled we would be as a result of following it. As is true of everything He asked us to do, it was/IS for our own good.
I suppose I’m doing things backwards, in that I’m “doing for others” what was already “done for me.” So let’s just say that I still remember and appreciate (over 20 years later) how wonderful it felt to be the recipient of actions that demonstrated love, and I’m looking forward to pouring love on someone else tonight.
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