Oddblock Station: A few Words for Kimberly & Sharl’s Wedding

Ceud Mile Failte!

This is a Gaelic greeting that literally means, “A hundred-thousand welcomes.”

Thank you for coming today and joining with us in our celebration of Kimberly and Sharl’s wedding.

Over the last several months many people have given us countless hours of their time in helping us to prepare for this wedding day. Kie and I are truly grateful for all your help. Thank you again.

A verse in the Bible tells us, “A generation goes, a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4)

As each of us looks back in our own lives, we do remember those of earlier generations who have gone. We wish they could be here with us today, but they can’t – but we fondly remember them nonetheless. Today as we celebrate Kimberly and Sharl’s wedding, we celebrate the gift of life and acknowledge the promise of a generation who shall follow.

Weddings are about families and friends, and some members of our families and friends of every generation – from youngsters in their eighties to the very young - have travelled from afar to be here today.

Speaking about family and friends, we have two birthdays to acknowledge:

My mother’s birthday is tomorrow, August 13

Mrs. Coats’ birthday is today, August 12

When Kimberly was about 4 or 5 months old, I noticed that she understood what I was saying. At the time I was feeling very proud thinking that I had a very smart daughter…and then I discovered that Kimberly also learned very early to ignore what I was saying. As a parent, I had a lot to learn.

Kimberly, today shall be the last day I can tell you what to do – so I shall use these few minutes to do just that.

These words are for Kimberly:

The Bible says, “A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” (Proverbs 27:15)

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:24)

So Kimberly, become a wife who is far more precious than jewels and be subject to your husband. The Bible has always spoken God’s truth and God’s truth will never change. God’s truths also apply to the structures of family relationships – even if these truths are not popular.

These words are for Sharl:

The Bible tells us, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)

“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14)

Sharl, both verses end with, “from the Lord.” Remember these words all your years. Finding Kimberly had nothing to do with your good luck; you have found favour with God.

These words are for both of you:

The Bible instructs us, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26)

Your mother taught me the practical application and true value of this verse from very early in our marriage. – and yes – we have had some sleepless nights.

Kimberly and Sharl, my advice to you is to learn to say to each other and truly mean, “I am sorry” – not just a meaningless sorry - but “I am sorry”

And as your years together pass, do not forget these important words, Tha gradh agam ort or Aku cinta padamu, or Wo Ai Ni, or Je t’aime or I love you. The language does not matter as long as the words are as sincere years from now as they are today.

Kimberly and Sharl, may the Lord God of Israel bless your marriage from this day to the end of your lives.

August 12, 2006