Today is a bitter sweet day - what do you think of when someone tells you the wedding is right around the corner?! There are so many things to do...pick a date, a venue, the honeymoon, the bridal party, guest list, brides dress, attendants dresses, flower girl or ring bearer, rings, flowers, center pieces and (as a former wedding planner) the list goes on and on for this BIG day. With all the planning and preparing there are all the emotions too; excitement, giddiness, joy, anxiety, stress, dreaming, happiness, and the list goes on and on. What does one do if in the midst of all the JOY in planning a huge curve ball is thrown in your direction, something you couldn't even dream of happening does. What do you do then? How do you move forward with all the exciting things you are looking for in the future are now clouded with this curve ball?
Maggie and Dan are about to tie the knot and our Ashley could not approve more! You see Maggie is one of Ashley's dearest friends and roommates for the past three years. They had a bond that was almost unexplainable - they loved each other deeply. They shared the highs and lows of life and were there for each other in the quiet of life. Ashley would share stories with me of arriving home from a hard day and tapping on Maggies door..."are you awake in there?!" Maggie would emerge from her room and reply "what's up". They would talk for hours and well into the dark of night supporting each other and caring deeply. It was the biggest honor when Maggie (in such a cute Maggie way) asked Ashley to be her Maid of Honor. This was one of the highest forms of admiration that the girls shared. And believe you me (remember friends, I am not an English major...I write as if you are in the room with me) Ashley was up for the task. She was determined to fulfill this duty and honor to the very best of her ability to show her love for her dear friend.
The curveball that our dear Maggie has had to navigate is completing this JOYFILLED journey in the midst of loosing her sweet friend and Maid of Honor. Today is the day that Ashley planned to be by her side and celebrate this union - to celebrate Maggie - to celebrate that she found Dan (whom Ashley approved of HANDS DOWN) - to celebrate friendship and to celebrate God's hand in this story. Today they venture out together to carry the tradition of the Bachelorette Party.
As Ashley would have LOVED every moment of the planning and the night she will be there in spirit. She will be there with every giggle, every silly story and every goofy adventure. She would want the girls to fondly remember her through the JOY they will experience! Oh how we would all long to rewind and change the storyline - but today we pause and love on Maggie.
Ashley loved deep - she cared so beautifully for her friends and cheered them on in life. She is cheering now and we honor her by being the JOY and Giggle in the day. So, go forward today and see the beauty and joy in your journey. If you get thrown a curveball; breath deep, lean into Christ and accept the provisions that He provides along the way. Choose to see the beauty from the ashes, there is much to see!
So girls - be joy filled, love each other, make awesome memories tonight and...drink lots of water too, have fun but not too much, make good choices and remember Mama E loves you all to pieces!!
Ashley gave me a scripture rock just last year and it speaks so loudly to her heart:
"be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Let us not be discouraged as we move through these curveball moments - the Lord our God is with us...always, He loves us and is weaping along side us. Lift your eyes to Him and He will bring you peace, comfort and JOY.
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