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I’m getting married in 9 days. A lifetime of anticipation is coming to a head. I can remember conversations with my best friend in the third grade, Amy Kempf. (Rob and I have determined that before the age of 18, everyone has a first a last name, both of which are always used. i.e. Wes Hedon is 80% sure he helped Rob light a fire on the bus in the 7th grade). Anyway, I believe I was nine-years-old the whenI started planning my wedding. The arrangements have changed a little. I will not be getting married in Paris. I will not be throwing my bouquet off the Eiffel Tower. And the bridesmaids’ dresses are not lavender (but close!).
Wedding planning has taken over my days since graduation. I’ve decided (and felt very called to) intentionally enjoy this time, focus on planning the wedding, and start applying to jobs after we get back from Hawaii. Resting has always been a challenge for me, but I know it’s also very necessary. I’ve been trying really hard and I’d like to say I’m getting a little better at it. I’m sure this will be an ongoing challenge. I did set one day aside to visit the coast by myself and spend time in prayer before the wedding. It was wonderful and much needed. For the most part, aside from watching Mila two days a week, the occasional shift at PWCL, and visits from Rob’s parents and my dad, I’ve spent my time making favors, programs, table name cards, shopping for necessary items, creating playlists, and ironing out the details. It’s been lovely. Everyone has been so helpful. Bekah, Bethany, and Amanda have had somewhat flexible summer schedules so I’ve been able to spend a great deal of quality time with them which has been just great. I’m so thankful to have such solid and strong friendships, especially at this time in life. I feel like I’ve also had the freedom in my schedule to have some pretty solid phone time friends and family from home which is so important to me.
I’ve also spent a great deal of my time alone, which leaves me alone with my thoughts possibly more than ever — in life. And this is the conclusion I’ve come to. I am absolutely full of aniticipation like I’ve never felt before. I cannot wait to get on the plane to Ohio on Saturday. I cannot wait to see so many women I love at my bridal shower on Sunday. I cannot wait to see my dad on Tuesday. I cannot wait to meet my niece for the very first time on Wednesday. I cannot wait for my bachelorette sleepover at the Lawson’s on Thursday. MMMmmm that house is home to me 
I cannot wait for everyone to arrive on Friday. I cannot wait to thank everyone who has so generously helped at the rehearsal dinner on Saturday. And beyond any of this, I cannot wait to marry the love of my life on Sunday. I cannot wait to be a bride walking down the aisle to meet my groom at the alter, which brings me to my point. I can only imagine that this anticipation I am filled with to meet my groom is a tiny, bit of the anticipation we feel for Christ to return and to spend eternity in Heaven. Our entire lives are spent anticipating our greater purpose and we will not be content until that day. So, I’m sitting in anticipation. And I’m loving it. It is the most vivid reminder I’ve felt of what we are truly anticipating. It is just one of the many ways that I already see God using marriage to reflect Christ’s love and relationship with the church. MMmm…I can’t help but smile
