A truly royal wedding . .

While watching a few minutes of the Royal Wedding this morning I couldn't help but hope those two young lovebirds are prepared for the adventures and challenges ahead of them.
I couldn't help but compare them to two other lovebirds we recently attended a wedding for -
the pomp and circumstance surrounding the aforementioned nuptials pale in comparison to the

sweet tears and simple elegance that flowed freely as Tom's eldest sister finally made the long-awaited walk down the aisle just a few weeks before.

The weekend we flew to Denver is one of the sweetest experiences we have ever had with Tom's family - after months of separation since our move to Florida and with so many of his siblings spread across the country, we were so unprepared for the emotions of that event. For weeks prior to the trip we had been counting the days to see grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins we have missed so dearly, we tried to jam every second with time together.

Within hours of our arrival we realized how impossible it would be to spend enough time with each or our loved ones to be satisfied in the short 2 days we had there.  What was even more overwhelming was the amazing healing that had taken place in a once fractured family as Tom's sister and her fiance had reached out to include all of their family members in their celebration of love, renewal and commitment to each other.

So much has been said as of late on the importance of marrying, staying married and cherishing marriage.  In a world where so many people have chosen lives that make marriage seem old fashioned, unnecessary or even disposable - we are so grateful to have been allowed to participate in the celebration of great love that is the result of great effort and faith.

We are doubly grateful to be part of a family that cherishes each other - to be married as best friends who are committed through the eternities and to raise children with the knowledge that the work required to bring them up in a righteous, loving family prepared to start righteous loving families of their own is the most important work on this earth.

Life is so hard, and sometimes days get dark even in the sunshine - but we have no doubt there is an All Powerful Creator lovingly watching over us and guiding us. There is no doubt in our minds that He knew our greatest trials would come as we struggle together as families made up of individuals - but He also knows our greatest joys, blessings and rewards would come as we succeed in loving and making family relationships work.