Todays Toast

     I am again far from home, and this particular series of trips have been more taxing than most.  At every turn it seems we have had minimal rest (consisting of no more than 12 hours off) and then back at it again.  Most of this on the back side of whatever biological clock I might be trying to follow.  We have been away from home just less than a week, and have been to Europe twice, to Africa twice, and once to the good old USA.  Can you say exhausted?  I knew you could.  I am currently in Brugge Belgium, again.  I am enjoying the first day off in a week.  I do leave at midnight tomorrow night for a quick down and back evening/day to Africa, but I am currently enjoying an evening with little weighing on my mind. 
  
      In filling the spare time I decided to actually get out the old spare hard drive I bought years ago.  On it I have copied the contents of several old computers that have gone the way of the carrier pigeon.  Somehow before they were committed to computer oblivion I managed to copy their contents onto a portable drive.  I have not really checked the contents of said drive in years.  In doing so this evening I discovered several things that I have saved over the years.  Some are pictures, some little snippets of something I found worth saving, and some things I composed and saved thinking they might offer insight as to what was in my heart at that time.  I think they will provide fodder for any number of future postings.

     One of the first I will address is the toast I made at my son and daughter-in-laws wedding.  This was several years ago.  The relationship between them has died, and my concerns as to their being prepared for a life together were proven to be valid.  I will share that toast in the next blog.  Tonight, I will share what I offered at our recent wedding.  At least you will see that I have become a little less long winded.  For the latest nuptials I offered the following:

     "The last time I stood up to offer a toast I talked at some length as to what I thought was vital in a marriage.  It seemed important as it seemed that the individuals involved might need some guidance in what they needed to accomplish to find success in one an others company.  To Olon and Heather I have almost nothing to offer in advice.  They are two of the smartest and well adjusted people I know.  Matter of fact, they and my cousin who performed the ceremony are a large grouping of the smartest people I know.  So, the only advice I can offer is a silly little observation that is still something of significance, and can have disastrous results if ignored.  NEVER, and I can not emphasize this enough, never ever take a sleeping pill and a laxative at the same time.....

    That observation aside, as I look into the young faces of two people I adore, I am reminded of a conversation from the not to distant past.  The beautiful young bride of tonight was calling home to discuss with Dad her concerns over how her life was unfolding.  So many of her friends were getting married, and in her heart was a longing for someone to share the treasure of her love.  She wanted some assurance as to what life was going to produce.  I was at a loss as to how to respond.

     As Heathers primary dragon slayer, I am always ready to do battle with whatever causes her alarm.  In this case, I was at a loss.  I ached in wanting to offer effective solace.  What to say to one who wants assurances of results conforming to her designs?  I have no crystal ball, and would never offer promises that I was not absolutely sure to be fact.  Oh how at that moment I lamented the passing of the time when I could set my Princess heart to dancing with an ice cream and a hug.  Still, even one as simple as I can occasionally find a "gem", and wisdom can come from individuals not especially known for higher thought.  I have often marveled at the wisdom in my response to her in her moment of despair.  I offered "My love, I can not promise any specifics for you to grasp.  No solid words of comfort are available, just the observation and conviction that God loves you more than I do (and that is beyond my comprehension).  While I do not know what is in store for you, I believe whatever comes your way, it will be glorious and you will perceive perfection."  We had that conversation in the months immediately preceding her initial conversations with Olon.

     Standing here tonight, I see in the faces of the two of you............. perfection. 

      Friends and family........... to perfection.