Today we spent the day celebrating my brother Tennyson getting married to a wonderful woman named Victoria. I could give you a play by play of the day to express what I want to say, but I think I will keep it brief by sharing just a few moments where I felt and saw the joy of families and felt and saw what God wants us to have.
The first thing that struck me was as I watched Tennyson and Victoria and the love and respect that they have for each other. I also loved watching how happy they were just to have family around them and how much it meant to them.
Also, several times today I found myself just looking at my kids and exchanging smiles and feeling the love that we share in our family bond and I felt the power of God as expressed in my family.
Other times were watching my two year old Audrey as she would get excited to see her aunts and uncles and grandparents and would insist on running to them immediately and giving them a big hug. She often exemplifies to me the joy of families as she finds such joy in her family both immediate and extended.
Another time was watching my parents during the wedding ceremony and seeing how much joy and satisfaction they receive out of seeing their children succeed and find happiness. Watching their faces as they wept with joy for my younger brother taught me about the importance of family and what real happiness is all about. The sealer who performed the marriage talked much about this as he explained to a newlywed couple what true happiness is all about and how they would find it in following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I also saw it as I watched my Grandpa Dee play with his great granddaughter Emery who was recently adopted into our family. His face was the epitome of pure joy as were the faces of Emerys parents. I honestly can't imaging too many other more sacred and joyful things.
Then I felt and saw it again as I had a chance to watch my kids dance around with each other at the wedding reception and en had the privilege of dancing with my son and daughter. When I danced with Audrey I would do a little dip and she would say, "do it again and again and again daddy!" Melts my heart.
Finally I felt it as I watched my sweet wife who has given her entire existence to raising these little children. She finds such pure joy in it and sacrifices so much and shows so much love. It is truly remarkable to watch. I then had the privilege of sharing a dance with her and reflecting on what the love that we share has brought about.
No doubt we have had some difficulties, some arguments, some disagreements and some trials, but truly I have not found greater joy then experiencing the teachings of Christ in my own little family. This is how God shares His love with us!!