Yesterday was the wedding. Today I woke, later than normal, to a gentle rumble of thunder and the cooing of some turtledoves. These thoughts helped me reminisce the sweet moments of the wedding day.
The sun shone bright. Friends gathered from afar.
Radiant bride, beaming parents, honoring vows,
Their first communion and the shattering of their cup of fidelity
It all seems like a dream now as I wake with the cooing of the turtledoves,
The doves that mate for life. There is thunder in the heavens and our God delights.
Their first kiss, skipping eagerly up the aisle, they disappear for pictures
Beth needs help changing, “Let’s go quick so we don’t miss the party.”
In the front room, bridesmaids’ chamber, I hustle, then glance out the window.
There is our happy couple alone in the front yard kissing and cuddling.
We aren’t missing a thing. Beth joins me at a lower window, “Aww…they’re so sweet!”
She gets it. She’s my girl, all girl, she understands at 5, the preciousness of firsts!
Was it a dream? Oh, yes so dreamy!
The doves are singing softly now in the morning light.
There is thunder in the heavens and God delights in His children.
Friends hug, love, help, rave about the wonder God has done in these two.
Some recall the five year road they walked. God’s plans prevailed. One sister comments,
“Only God can use crooked lines to draw straight.” We laugh and ponder our own lives
God is busily redeeming. There is dancing, doughnuts, ice cream, toasts with tears of joy.
Her brother pours out his heart to honor all who have supported Josiah and Anna,
Naming a specific gifting each parent and grandparent has contributed to their lives.
This morning it is a memory, a forever etched- in-my-heart memory, as the doves coo
A gentle thunder rolls in the heavens and God laughs, delighting in His children!
I’m a wife and mom--trying to walk in the steps of Jesus.
Would you like to walk together? 
Beautiful! Congratulations friends.
Tears. Joy. So beautifully written! Congratulations to you sweet mama!
Thank you, friends!
Your observations are just beautiful and the truth will forever prevail in this couple. Love you Melinda
Melinda, you are such a gifted writer. How beautiful is your reflection on these two young adults. You are truly blessed by your love of God and family. Blessings to all of you. Thinking of you with happy thoughts, Jan and Rick
Thank you for your heartfelt encouragement. It means a lot!
At first I thought it was his brother officiating. Then I saw it was your husband. The family resemblance is strong :). SO happy for you all. God bless this marriage.
Mrs. Poling, your thoughts are truly lovely. This post reads almost like a fairy-tale poem, in its beauty and simple joy in celebration. Sharing the sweetness of your first (and now-grown) boy’s love with your first (and still little) girl’s innocent delight is something that will certainly be locked in your memory for years to come. Your son’s wedding was indeed a time for rejoicing, but I really love how you recap the next day, dreamily remembering the excitement and elation of the previous day in a quiet time of peaceful rest in God. The way you process things is a gift, and it is sweet that you share your wisdom with us. Thank you so much!
Thank you! Way too eligantly said for a “broom girl”. We’ll have to give you a real name someday. Something not to flashy, or too near the top of the alphabet. Something with a nice ring to it.I guess we have time.Thank you, my dear, for your hearty encouragement!
Prayers are heard and God is the best.
What a heart felt memory you have written for your first son’s
Wedding. It is always such a joy to watch the hand of our God
move in joining believers together. Congratulations to one of my great-nephews & his beautiful bride. I know this is late in coming,
But just read your blog. Now we will watch the Poling family GROW as more sons fine their God selected woman for each of
them. God bless each of you. Uncle Jim & Aunt Georgia ❤️❤️❤️
May God bless the union. and bring them together as husband and wife in a good health and happiness