dRobinson

I was a groomsman at a good friend's wedding yesterday. Cheval and I met in a men's group several years ago, and have kept in touch since then. Cheval is a man's man.  He has served his country and his God well. He is one of that rare breed of men who has really been there and done that. Having been there and done that changes a man. In some cases, it hardens a man and calluses his heart. However, in his case, it strengthened, deepened, and sensitized him. He has a depth and a warmth that draws people to him and soon points them to the One he loves.   I've been with Cheval during some dark times, when it seemed that his hopes and dreams were being dashed. It is in those times, times of  trial and pain, that we see what a man is made of, who he truly is and what he truly values.  In those times, I knew a man who was strong enough to call for help, to grieve well his loss, and  to throw his life, his hopes and dreams completely into the hands of the One who is especially fond of him, who says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We saw a glimpse of those plans yesterday. I was witness to his marriage. I saw how he honors DeMarquine (Dee), and how she adores him. I saw how her sons respect and love this man, their new father. I saw it in their eyes and heard it in their words. Cheval, I could not have hoped for a better wife for you. The One who does all things well has outdone Himself this time: plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future, indeed! Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, I wish you well. I  have been blessed by your friendship and honored to be included in this wonderful testimony to God's delight in bringing beauty from ashes, in doing more than we could ever hope for.  Before I close, I have to mention a couple things from the reception that impressed me deeply. First, the toasts showed the solid, loving families you both come from. What a blessing to have your fathers stand and speak for you as they did. What a privilege to hear a son welcome his new father as Josh did. Well done! Another thing that touched me was part of the DJ's wedding routine, where he had the married and wanna-be-married  couples line up and face their beloveds and sing to them. My first reaction was that this gonna be sappy and superficial. But then I saw what was happening all along the line. Song after song, I saw men and women declaring their love for one another in song and dance, each in their own style. It was beautiful. I can't get one image out of my mind: once when Dee was singing to Cheval, she moved in and put her arms around his neck and then sort of stretched them behind and above him in an abandon that was just beautiful; it was not a dance move, but a movement of the heart. It brought tears to my eyes. What a day!  I love you, man!