Restoring Kingdom Builders

It was a moment I’ll never forget.  In fact, I can’t get it out of my mind.

Sanctuary at Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church

Last Saturday afternoon, I stood on the platform of Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church.  For the first time in several years, I was officiating at a wedding.

My wife and daughter were sitting in the front row on the right side, followed by assorted family members and friends.  The bride’s mother sat in the front row on the other side, cheered on as well by loved ones.

The bridesmaids walked down the aisle, followed by the flower girl – and then the back doors were closed shut.  The organ uttered its magnificent tones …

And then the bride appeared.  She looked radiant as she walked down the center aisle, escorted by her father.

But while all eyes were on the bride, mine were on the groom – my only son, Ryan.  Only the two of us shared our unique vantage point.

He stood there waiting for Vanessa, the love of his life … waiting to shake hands with her father and offer her his arm and escort her onto the platform.

Vanessa's Father John Gives Her Away

As she came down the aisle, I thought to myself, “Lord, he’s waited so long for the right one … and now she’s finally here.”

My heart was bursting with joy.

Vanessa’s grandfather began the service.  He has served on the staff of the Laguna Beach Church for many years.  He told me that he declined to officiate at the weddings of his three children because he was afraid he’d get too emotional.

I now know what he means.

We all sang “Come Thou Fount,” followed by “I Love You Lord.”

And then, with my son and his bride standing before me, I read Scripture and shared a brief message with them.

After that, while someone sang, Ryan and Vanessa walked forward and lit a Unity Candle.  I’ve seen some couples do that and talk to each other, but Ryan and Vanessa did something I’ve never seen done before.

They prayed quietly with and for each other.  It was so moving.

Ryan and Vanessa Pray After Lighting Unity Candle

We sailed through the vows, and it felt great to finally make this pronouncement: “I now present to you for the first time … Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Meyer!”

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Meyer!

While pictures were being taken, I had a great time talking with Ryan’s pastor, Terry; a missionary I hadn’t seen in nearly 30 years, Dave; my niece Jolene’s husband, Danny, who is also a pastor; and the pastor of the church where Vanessa’s parents attend.

And then the shuttle came and took us all to a mansion up a hill … a place with a multi-level backyard, including a swimming pool and beautiful gardens.  You could see the ocean from the top level, and as the night went on, nobody wanted to leave.

House in Laguna Beach Where Wedding Reception Was Held

As my son and his new wife celebrate their honeymoon in Hawaii, I am still both teary-eyed and grateful to God that the Lord still brings a man and a woman together – in His own time and way.

Two years ago, I flew to Orange County to see Ryan.  Once again, a young woman who held my son’s interest told him she just wanted to be “friends.”  Ryan was distraught, unsure that he would ever meet the right one.  I encouraged him to keep waiting on the Lord and to keep taking risks – because once we start playing it safe in life, we begin to die inside.

When Ryan met Vanessa through eharmony a little more than a year ago, they instantly clicked – and have been together ever since.

My wife Kim and Ryan danced to Lee Ann Womack’s classic song I Hope You Dance.  Remember these lines?

Ryan and Kim Dancing

I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one door opens

Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice, to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

May Ryan and Vanessa dance throughout their life – and may you dance as well!

This Says It All!