This last weekend was my little sister’s wedding reception. My sister and her husband were actually married, in the Mount Timpanogos Temple, back in February, but since the engagement was so short (a matter of days not months) we set the reception for this last weekend to have some breathing room in our planning. This also allowed certain family members the opportunity to make it across country to attend the reception where they weren’t able to attend the Sealing. (In the temple worthy couples are not just married “till death do you part,” but rather they are sealed together and to God for time and all eternity.)
The reception was beautiful, yet not as beautiful as my little sister. When I looked at her, dressed in all her wedding finery I saw the scripture in Proverbs come to life,
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life… Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-29
My sister is indeed a virtuous woman, like my mother, and Sarah and Eve before her. I could see this truth reflected in the eyes of her husband. I believe that he cherishes her, all the more, for it.
However, being the thoughtful and caring sort of person that she is, my sister wants me to find the same sort of happiness which she has found. Thinking of some of our conversations, when alone together of late, I am reminded of a similar conversation between two other close sisters,
“I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!’ cried Jane. `Oh! Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and blessed above them all! If I could but see you as happy! If there were but such another man for you!’
`If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself and, perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time.” (a conversation between Jane and Elizabeth Bennett in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice).
I often feel the same way. (Although not to the point of considering, one of the many, Mr. Collins’ of my acquaintance) I am so happy for my beloved sister, and know that she wants the same happiness in return for me. Which is probably why she did what she did at the end of her reception.
It is common practice at the end of a wedding reception for all the eligible single women to gather together for the bouquet toss. The bride throws her bouquet and whoever catches it is said to be the next bride. In my 25 years I have been the lucky (?) maiden, to have caught the bouquet many times. To no effect I might say.
My sister feeling that her bouquet was special, decided that she would do a little maneuvering as to who would catch it. As the reception grew late, more then once a hopeful young woman would ask about when she was going to perform the bouquet toss. Each time my sister would reply soon and go back to what she was doing.
I wasn’t really paying attention to what was going on, for I was enjoying conversing with dear friends and dancing with sweet nephews and cousins. I didn’t realize what my little sister was plotting until she caught me at a moment where only men were around and called out my name. I turned just in time to be hit in the face by her wedding bouquet. As I looked up into her grinning face, I acknowledged her victory.
Who knows maybe this time the age old tradition will work and I will be the next to marry. I am sure I wouldn’t mind it if it did turn out that way.
