Boys to Men

Saturday, August 2, 2009 was the wedding day of Mr.and Mrs. Ethan Moody (Ryan's younger brother). Jayce got the be the proud and very serious, yet smiley ringbearer for the blessed event.

I don't use the word "blessed" lighly. I choose it because we love Liz and think her and E are a very well matched couple. She is a great balance of energetic and calm. She is sweet, sincere, steady, and a school teacher. But, I also choose the word "blessed" because E is the third and final Moody "boy" to be married. I was really hit by this the morning of the wedding especially. And, Ryan's dad, who we affectionately call "Pops", happened to be at breakfast at the same time as me so I attempted to convey my thoughts to him. Which included recognition for the great father that he is and has been-especially as he navigated the rough waters of losing Beth while the boys were all in critical teenage/pre-teen years. Also, I was reflecting on the faithfulness of God. As we all do, each of the "boys" has their own story of how they got to where they are today. However, there are surely points along the way in each of their stories when, if given a fast forward glimpse into their lives today, it surely could have seemed completely unbelievable given the difficulties they walked through at the time. I, for one, am completely thankful for the way God, Pops, Beth-while she was here, and through her legacy as she is gone, and certain others have led them and loved them through the years. The "boys" have each become strong, responsible, Jesus-following, loyal and loving men. Their sorrow and struggles left them struck down-for a time-but not destroyed. And, I had to add as I concluded my chat with pops that morning, they each picked a pretty decent wife if I might say so myself:)