Jesus went all the way back to the beginning when he said,
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man [or mother] not separate.
There is one thing when you leave your parents and cleave to your spouse, and quite another when you watch your children do it to you! Yet, that is what my firstborn did this weekend. He left and became united to another. I felt it when the photographer was taking pictures prior to the ceremony. The setting was beautiful and so peaceful. I really wasn’t supposed to be there, but ended up driving the boys over to meet the girls.
The first picture was my son’s first glimpse of his bride in her gown, so he was led down the road to wait until she approached from behind. The photographer was working to get the perfect shot. His brother and her sister walked down to be closer, both drawn to their respective sibling, wanting to be a part of the moment. I stood back by the car. I would not see his face when he saw her, though I could only imagine the joy.
It seemed a private moment…just between the two of them…no mothers involved. He was leaving and cleaving.
It was not a sad weekend. On the contrary, I was so overjoyed to see family and friends come and be around us all for this joyous occasion. I sensed his presence in the men my sons had become, in his siblings that joined us, in his nieces and nephews. Each one shared some character trait, tone of voice, laugh or smile with the one I missed the most. It brought great comfort and helped the grief to stay at bay.
So, though I was involved in this wedding, I also seemed to be watching it all from afar. Looking at it through the eyes of the one who, though thankful for blessing of gaining a daughter, still loses a son. It’s part of life, and I would not have it any other way. My joy is in seeing him happy, seeing how much she lights up when he’s near her. That’s what we’ve raised them for…to make their way as a new family is begun.
I can’t hold on to them forever, nor would I want to. I want to let them leave, so they can cleave…I know there are more joys to come when I do…if you know what I mean.
Grace and Peace