I was so moved to tears as I watched this young couple pledge their lives to each other. I agree with Brit's dad—I could tell by how she looked at Caleb that she was the one. From that first day that I REALLY saw her in action at Dad's house, cleaning out the library, I knew this was a winner. I didn't meet but 1 other girlfriend of Caleb's, but I know she didn't capture my heart the way Brit did in the fall of 2007. She impressed us with her willingness to work and pitch in for a family she barely knew and did it so lovingly. She may never know the help she was that day as we were all stressed out about the moving and the situation. Dad didn't feel good and was so tired, we were hot and frustrated, and she just plodded along, helping in whatever way was needed.
But back to the wedding. They were so relaxed! I was amazed as they were just so certain they were doing the right things. I had that feeling marrying Dan in 2003, so I know how it is, but I was older then and more sure of who I was and where I was going (or so I thought anyway). This is a young 22 year old couple who are starting seminary after just graduating from college 6 weeks ago. They are moving, working new jobs, and getting married. But as Russell said last night, Caleb sets his mind on something and just puts his whole heart into it. I could see that last night when he so confidently said he had no doubts this was the right thing. I'm so proud of them both.
And the thought on that brother of mine as the father of the groom....when I look at him and hear him, I see Dad. I'm SO PROUD of who he is and how he has grown in Beth's love. Look what a good woman can do for a man! His toast was so much like dad with humor, seriousness, and good advice. I never would have guessed 27 years ago how he would be. I have no problems with him being the family patriarch now. He seems to fit the role just fine. I first saw this at Dad's bedside, September 18, 2010 as he read from John about the good shepherd. It was like the baton was being passed on to him at that moment, and he picked it up and started to run with it. I think Caleb will be able to do just as well when his turn comes along, but I pray that isn't soon. Yes, I love, respect, and am proud of that tormentor of past days very much.
I also learned by the toast that Dad had considered the ministry. I didn't remember it if I had heard it. It is humorous that he didn't think he could handle the school work it would take, but could become an engineer and an MD. Personally, many days I think Greek and Hebrew might have been easier to learn than the changing data of medicine. However, he did blend the 2 through his own study and compassionate listening (even to the frustration of those of us running the front office when he was behind). He picked up a jail ministry and a ministry to the mentally ill at the tail-end of his career, places that most won't go. Those were the last 2 things that he gave up when he couldn't work any more. And even in the nursing home the last 6 weeks, he ministered to the nursing staff. What a large pair of footprints we have to follow in, each of us finding the places we are to serve and those we are to serve with the gifts we have been given. So far, it's been an interesting journey!
