Darrell Fraser Photography

My Lord, what an incredible journey we had the past 45 years. I remember how it all started.

My dad introduced you to me at an early age. You were as real to me as my doll Lindie. At night I prayed out loud to you from my room in Jan Kempdorp, I thought you wouldn’t hear me if I prayed softly. I even joked with you, asked you to keep a little piece of my heart for the devil- just for those times when I’m up to naughty stuff! I talked to you while riding my bike, in the bath and especially on my way to the principals’ office!

Then I grew up, got through school and my perception about you changed..I thought that you were far away in heaven, watching down on us, just waiting to punish us should we put a foot wrong. My vision got so blurred, I got scared of you and the spontaneity between us disappeared. I always acknowledged you, but only from a distance.

Lord, the past 5 years I really got back to believing like a child again. I thank you for helping me getting back into that very safe place. Today you are as real to me as ever again and I learn more about you every day.

I have learned that when there was no hope, when I was lonely, broke and scared of the future, you were at your best, working in my life.

When my finances and career looked bleak, you send me someone I rarely knew at the time from my spinning class with his cheque book – giving me an opportunity to start a business and in the process provide jobs for others.

When you took my parents home, you send friends with wisdom and patience, who loved and cared for me at a time when I was angry, frustrated and unlovable, even to myself.

When I couldn’t handle living all by myself anymore and longed to have a home, a garden and trees, you send me friends who made me an unselfish financial offer, with a passion for trees, and set me up in a beautiful house.

These are but a few examples Lord. You handpicked people, blessing me so carefully yourself, my Lord. You taught me through my pastor that we don’t really experience the thrill of life until being used by you, my God. Thank you for blessing all of them, by letting them experience your thrill and helping them build up a heavenly investment.

Thank you for my church family, for a pastor who constantly reminds us of your Grace my Lord, That we don’t have to earn anything, we can’t – everything is by your grace my God. Once that penny dropped for me, the fear went away and once again I was good enough to have an intimate relationship with you, because you called me your own…

Thank you my Lord for my earthly parents. My beautiful dad with his thick black hair who always made time for us, laughed and played with us. My go-getter mom, who pushed me and believed in me and became a mentor to me in so many ways, with her limited education she still became one of the people I most respect in business. They both loved us kids unconditionally. Thank you for the peace in my heart that I know they are with you today. I’m sure they are celebrating as well.

Thank you for the new family I am becoming part of today, they welcomed me with open arms and hearts. They seem a little bit crazy Lord, but they are loveable, fun and they know you too!

Today my Lord you overwhelmed me once again….according to worldly terms I am wayyyy past my sell by date for marriage, but You send me one of your sons, one of Your favorite precious ones, one I can learn from about You every day. Through Sean, which means “your beloved” I experience so much of You, in his kind green eyes, his love for You, the way he never judge, his wisdom and his sincerity when he touches the lives of others around him. He has this inner peace and calmness I can’t explain. When I told him about my past, he didn’t blame or judge me the way others would have done, but he took me in his arms and held me close….the way You would have done.

You are a God of second chances my Lord, an almighty God who specializes in miracles and a God who loves us unconditionally. You are also a gentleman and would never force Yourself upon us, You are patiently waiting for us to come to You.

My God, today, we dedicate our wedding to you. We want to thank you through Praise and Worship. Thank You also for Retief being here today.

Thank You for handpicking everyone in this church right now, bless us Lord. You know all of us individually, all our hurts, insecurities, dreams and goals. Please touch us all so we fully know you my Lord, work in our hearts and let us see you TODAY.

In Jesus Name

Amen