I drove through the misty grey morning and prayed the sky would break in time for the wedding. The bride has waited a long time for her match…I wanted it to be the perfect day for her. I waited in line with the other guests to be shuttled to the top of the hill on a flatbed trailer filled with quilt-covered hay bales. Once seated, I gazed out over the valley below. The mist rolled in under heavy, low-lying clouds. It felt like visiting the English countryside.

Once most of the guests were seated, a single banjo picker pulled a chair up and sat…quietly picking out a few tunes. The mountains in the distance were a perfect backdrop, accentuating the simplicity of the moment. Soft voices murmured greetings. I sat with a cousin I haven’t seen in quite some time. Finally, the bridal party was brought up to the field and a very brief and simple exchange of vows took place. Some rode back down the hill on the trailers pulled by farm tractors. Others walked. Nothing was rushed. It was like something out of the past…a simpler time…a simpler place.

When we arrived at the tent, we waited for the bride and groom to appear after pictures. The pastor called for quiet and the blessing was said. Then, finally…the food was served…smoked chicken, ham, beef, pork, venison, and kielbasa. Country style green beans with ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, coleslaw, rolls, butter, sautéed mushrooms and onions, macaroni and cheese. All served at the perfect temperature to a large crowd. A string band set up. A lady tended bar. The proud father of the bride mingled.

It didn’t rain.

And then I realized…

The sun doesn’t have to shine to be a perfect day.

❤️

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”‭‭

1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬