Ah, weddings!If you've ever been involved in the planning of one of these blessed events, you know the headaches and frustration they can bring.
Invitations have to be sent, travel arrangements made, food chosen, the ceremony rehearsed...
and that's just the tip of the iceberg! All of these necessary plans can leave the bride and groom wondering whether they should order tuxedos, or straightjackets! However, this is simply not the case with two of my close friends, Chris and Carrie.
A few months ago, I learned a great lesson from these soon-to-be-married folks.
They have all the normal stressors, in fact, probably more since they are getting married over a thousand miles away from home.
However, they've kept everything in perspective.
Above all else, they've never let their attention stray from the true meaning of the day.
"I'm not concerned with the font and printing on the invitations, I don't care about the DJ's play list, it makes no difference precisely what vegetables go in the vegetable medly.
At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that Chris is my husband and I'm his wife," Carrie said after complaining she'd been on the phone for half a day with florists, caterers, organists and limo companies.
Carrie just demonstrated what is often forgotten while planning a wedding: the point! It is a day to celebrate the joining of two people...
not a fashion show, not a family reunion, not a birthday party.
Chris and Carrie will undoubtedly be together forever.
Why?Is it because they've waited a long time to be sure marriage is right for them? Because in addition to being lovers, they're also best friends? Because they've taken a mature and solid approach to their marriage?Yes to all of these, but more than anything its because of their mindset.
They've kept the ultimate goal of marriage at the forefront.
They know that it isn't the "fluff" that creates a marriage, but the most important things in any relationship: love, respect and selflessness.
How often do we get caught up in details? How many times do we lose focus on our goals because we're worrying about the process, not the outcome? Has your mission been inhibited by concern over details?If so, stop, take a deep breath, and re-focus.
Are you being distracted by little things along the way? Or are you determined to meet and reach the ultimate goal?If there's any doubt, take a lesson from my soon-to-be-married friends: prioritize! At the end of the day, what is the most important thing you want to accomplish?