Certainly, this blog is about issues of social compassion. But it is not every day that your son gets married. I am pretty excited about the marriage of Jeremy Jones and Emily Mrazek. The wedding took place on Richmond Beach in Seattle. It was a pretty risky move since it rains so much in Seattle in June. But it was sunny and in the 70s. And to make matters cooler, two F-14s did a fly over right when the ceremony began. Barbie said we should call the Navy and thank them, but I was afraid they might try to charge us.
I have never seen a prettier wedding (I know I am prejudiced—but it was pretty spectacular). The bride was absolutely stunning (she should be on the cover of a magazine). The groom looked pretty good too. And what a joy it was to see all of our old friends there! Months ago I was curious who would be asked to perform the wedding. I wasn’t sure since Emily’s dad and I are both ministers. But they made the perfect choice and asked my oldest son, Patrick, to perform the ceremony.
It was funny (it had to be if you know Pat) but also very moving. It had one unique teaching that was very thought provoking and might be helpful for all our marriages and relationships. It might even be helpful for global matters like we discuss in this blog.
Patrick was addressing the key to marriage. He said that most people would say that it is “communication.” In fact, one of my old seminary professors wrote a best selling book called, “Communication: Key to Your Marriage.” But Patrick surprisingly said that he had been taught and learned from his mentor that communication was highly overrated. Yes, he said that it was overrated. So what was the key? “Forgiveness.” He explained that forgiveness is the heart of the gospel and must be at the heart of our marriages and relationships. I think he is correct. It is not only at the heart of the gospel, but pivotal in the Old Testament economic plan of Jubilee that God wanted to use to bring justice and compassion to His people. And that fits quite nicely into the themes of this blog.
Well, Jeremy and Emily got off to a good start! They left the beach in their 1964 VW Bug. Jeremy was wearing his new wedding ring that was shaped like a Lego. I have great hope for them and wish them much love. They deserve the best. I do hope they have great communication, but also something even better.
Congratulations to Emily and Jeremy, let’s pray that God watches over their marriage. Forgiveness is key to a successful marriage, only God knows how it has kept our marriage together.
Congratulations to the new couple. May God continue to bless your family!
I remember both Patrick and Jeremy as babies, at Northwest in the 1980s. Wow.
You’re right about Emily if that’s a picture of her – she belongs on the cover of Vogue.
After being married for a bit over four years, I wouldn’t want to do without either communication or forgiveness. I can’t imagine the marriage surviving without both. But one of these things does get mentioned ad nauseum while the other is often ignored.
I doubt that Jeremy remembers Cathy Hampton; he couldn’t have been more than two or three when I moved away from Seattle. Please pass on my congratulations and best wishes, though, when you get the chance.