Oh happy day! Tomorrow, one of my dearest friends is getting married. No, not a daughter or granddaughter of a friend, but Charlotte herself. I am filled with joy for her and Paul, and I am not alone in this feeling; everyone in their circle(s) feels the same.

This isn’t a first marriage for either of them. It’s one of those wonderful love stories, where two people who’d been married in the past (and weren’t even looking for a relationship) wound up falling in love. They grew close while working together for their church. While you’d think a “second marriage” would be small and quiet, I doubt if there will be a spare seat (or a dry eye) tomorrow in the First Methodist Church, and I wonder if the walls will be able to hold that much love and joy. We all want to share this happiness with them, and wish them well in this sacred space.

Charlotte asked me to sing, and of course I agreed. It’s a gift that I can give, and I am honored and happy to do something for this sacred day. I’m not alone – friends Cathy and Kerry have made magnificent new curtains and sheers for the Fellowship Hall (where the reception will be). Kerry will be playing the organ for the service. Other friends created and furnished invitations. Everyone wants to do something for the happy couple (in addition to squealing with delight and jumping up and down, which is what I did when Charlotte told me the happy news)!

We’re always happy for couples that wed, but there’s something extra special about this kind of situation. It’s unexpected, and it reminds us that God can surprise us with love in the most unexpected ways. But isn’t that a God-thing? Whether a marriage, or a new friend, or a kindness done by a stranger, or the companionship of a pet, God slips love into our lives when we least expect it. It makes me wonder if we don’t often tend to guard our hearts, and it takes the surprise element for God to kind of whack us on the head (figuratively speaking, of course) and say “HEY! Don’t forget – I love you!! And there ARE good things in this world! See???”

The love between Charlotte and Paul is a magical web that is drawing in all of their family and friends, blessing all of us. It’s a God-thing, for everyone who will let themselves be touched by it. In writing about it, I hope that it touches you in some way, whether you know the happy couple or not.

I’m glad I’ll be singing tomorrow, because for me, it’s a way to “cut lose” with some joy. Sometimes I feel so much love and joy I just can’t shut up. So once again, I am reminded of words from one of my favorite hymns:

Since Love is Lord o’er heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

Best wishes, Charlotte and Paul, for many joyful years to come. We love y’all!