This summer, my brother, a person you would NEVER think of as a biker, got married in Sturgis, SD. It really shouldn't have surprised me though; my brother has always followed his own path. He has a history education degree, attended (I think) at least 5 differnt colleges, was in the National Guard, a captain in the Air Force, and is now a law student at UND. I still can't help but smile when I think about Jim and Nikki skipping the traditional wedding (this is the second marriage for both) and riding into the sunset on his harley.
On September 15, they had a "family blessing" ceremony at their house in Grand Forks. Brad and I and the kids, along with my parents and Jim and Nikki, and their 5 combined children (and don't forget the 3 dogs) spent Friday night at their house and Saturday preparing for the ceremony. As crazy as it was, I really enjoyed spending time with my nieces and nephews and helping with the set up and food. It was just so fun to be a part of the beginning of my brother's and sister-in-law's new life together.
As we were driving home Saturday night, I was so glad that we made the time in our schedule to go. But as much as I enjoyed being there, I couldn't help but think what they are up against. This isn't the typical marriage. It's hard enough for two independent people to come together in marriage, but when you add five children and two ex-spouses, it gets even trickier. Oh, and did I fail to mention that both of them are in school full time at UND? And let's not forget that the divorce rate for second marriages is even higher...I think around 60%. My mom worries, and I, at times, fear the cards are stacked against them. It's going to be much harder for them to transition into a cohesive and loving family than it was for me and Brad.
But I've been learning, especially in the last few days as I've struggled with my son and his "nursing strike"--more on that later--what I really need to be doing is to lay this and every other burden I have at the feet of Jesus. We, in our sin and our human and finite wisdom, can't have the perfect marriage or the perfect kids or the perfect life. We make a mess of so many things. Our quest for perfection can destroy us, and our worries can consume and control us.
No, EVERYTHING, no matter how big or how small needs to be laid at the feet of Jesus. And I know that is so much easier said than done, but tonight I'm fighting the urge to worry and resting in the sovereingty of my Heavenly Father.
