My heart is full of God’s goodness today.  Thanks to all of you who prayed that my quick trip down to South Carolina would go well.  All flights operated smoothly and on time. 

Matt and Rachel’s wedding was beautiful and God-honoring.  I expected no less from them.  Everything–the excellent wedding party, the thoughtfully chosen music selections, their grace-filled expressions of welcome and love toward those invited to celebrate with them–was a reflection of the beautiful heart of these two special people.  I am so honored to call them friends, and I was blessed to share in their joy.  Weddings are always busy and chaotic–I expected this, and I knew there would be little time to spend with my friends in the midst of their busy day.  But God did bless me with some extra time to spend with Rachel as well as other friends whom I haven’t seen since my own wedding five years ago.   It was a short but very full 24 hours, and I thank God for it.

I’m also thankful to be home with my hubby.  Given his busy schedule, time together has been a rarity of late, and it is so sweet of him to be willing to sacrifice both time and money for me to make this trip.  I missed him, and it was so good to come home to him!  During the wedding ceremony, I watched the way that Matt looked at Rachel and was so amazed to see the love shining there–my tear ducts had a mind of their own in that moment.  But to come home and see that same look in my husband’s eyes. . . there aren’t words for that!     

The weekend has caused me to contemplate the tremendous blessing I have had in my friendships over the years.  Maybe another day when I have more time, I’ll post my musings on the subject here.  I am often very poor at keeping up with long distance friendships.  Social networking sites like blogger and facebook are great tools, but they can give one the illusion of maintaining relationships and can be a very poor substitute for real communication.  My friends, I want you to know how thankful I am for you!  I hope I will never take for granted the gift you have given me by offering your friendship.  I thank God for you.