All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

Oftentimes when this verse is read, it is followed by the question, “Why don’t we see this kind of giving & sharing among believers today?”

Well, for anyone who has ever asked that, I’m here to share the happy news that we, in fact, do.

The three weeks of our engagement thus far has proven to Patrick & I that we have amazing, amazing people in our lives. Repeatedly over this time, friends & family have risen up to offer us things that have absolutely astounded us and made our planning so much easier and so blessed.

Someone gave us a generous cash gift to help out with wedding expenses! Someone offered to make our wedding cake for no cost to us! Someone offered us a horse-drawn carriage to ride off into the sunset in! Sunday, someone offered us china & crystal because they’ve inherited way too many sets themselves! Yesterday, someone wrote and asked if she could make me some special jewelry to wear with my dress!

(Not to mention–or rather, not to forget!–the hours, money, & resources our other family & friends are investing in us as part of this journey.)

It’s beautiful. It’s a beautiful facet of the endeavor.

It’s so beautiful to both of us, mostly because even here in this, we see the Holy Spirit working through His Body. This is how life is supposed to work, this is the way He designed it. He gave each part of the Body gifts and talents and possessions to use for the benefit of the whole Body. And when we’re giving from our giftedness, we do so with joy, free of obligation. We see an occasion & we happily rise to it. We work all together, in every part of life. In births, in deaths, in joys, in failures, in crises…in weddings. That way the yoke is lighter for the one carrying the burden…and we all know, for as much joy as it is, planning a wedding is at times a burdensome task.

So, even at three weeks into this, thank you all, more than we can even begin to say. We are so thankful for your generosity, for your obedience to what GOD has moved you to do.

<3 <3 <3

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm and is filed under joys.