A Simple Touch

We just returned from our younger son’s wedding in DE. Chris and Lis (and her parents!) planned an immediate family only wedding with elegance and simplicity - not what she had dreamed of but so sweet and intimate.

Our new daughter (Forget DIL! She’s a daughter!) missed the bridesmaids who could not attend due to their location and the virus. There were distant family and very close friends who could not attend due to the virus. But that never stopped the incredible planning by this Disney-loving young woman who married the man of her dreams - our son.

Thursday night was a gathering for the girls only; Friday morning was dropping Bear (our son’s dog) at the groomer and then going to get our mani-pedis; Friday night was the rehearsal dinner and precious words from Mike and me as well as Lis’s parents; and then it was Saturday! Saturday was THE day for make-up, hair, and seeing the bride for the first time after dressing. Oh my! Yes, tears came.

We were at Lis’s sister-in-law’s house during the day but then drove to her parent’s home for the wedding (5 minute walk through the woods but we rode on Gators and golf carts). The men were upstairs, and the women were downstairs. Upstairs some of the men left the room after their toasts, and all who remained were Kevin (Lis’s Dad), Chris, and Mike (Chris’s Dad). They knew this time was meant just for them. So the two Dads prayed over Chris. So sweet and powerful!

Meanwhile downstairs, the women gathered around Lis as she sat in her chair - each woman with a hand on her and offering a prayer for her and Chris. During the prayers, I felt her simple touch as she reached for my hand which was laying on her shoulder. This simple touch was the most precious touch of the entire weekend.

It was a beautiful ceremony, and yes, Bear was part of it, wearing a sign which read “My humans are getting married.” He is such a sweet grandpup!

Since we have returned, my thoughts have been filled with memories from the weekend, but the one which comes up every time is that of Lis’s simple touch to hold my hand while we were praying.

Today I thought of Jesus, and what His simple touch meant to so many. A simple touch but incredibly powerful! They were touches of healing power; they were touches of compassion; they were touches used to teach about who God, the Father, really was; and they were touches of serving.

Matthew 20:28 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

A simple touch is very powerful and a basic human need. It has been, and still is, so difficult not being able to touch others with a hug, a handshake, a pat on the back. However we must continue to pray; continue to call, talk to others; continue to send notes, cards, texts; continue to FaceTime. God, we praise you for the technology!!

Remember: We will get through this, and as we do, remember the power of a simple touch.

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel