Poco a Poco: Emptied and Filled Up

What a whirlwind of serving and receiving, of outreaching and fellowshipping, of striving and rejoicing!

My childhood best friend, Tali Rose, was wed last night. I joyfully bore the title, "Matron of Honor," and at twenty-three years of age I was the oldest of the eighteen attendants beside Tali and Garrett.

I'm not sure I can remember ever being this tired -- except for maybe a 24-hour period when I had to give a piano recital and take a music history final exam. In the end, I came up full and not empty. While I gave everything of myself, I felt poured into ten-fold.

Here is my numbering of gratitude this weekend, for I discovered bounty upon bounty.

1. I ate lamb for the first time and loved it.
2. My dietary needs were accommodated splendidly! I am craving another slice of homemade grain-free cheesecake that I was served at the rehearsal dinner.
3. My SIL, Kelly, rescued me from "outfit crisis." I had spent so much time getting other things ready that I neglected my personal details for the rehearsal dinner. I called her last-minute, and she stepped in marvelously!
4. Our friends, Erin and Justin, kept Brooklyn overnight for us while I ran the bachelorette party and again during the rehearsal. Huge blessing!
5. Ty's family kept Brooklyn the entire wedding day. I never once worried.
6. Good (and might I add unexpected) conversation with new friends
7. Time alone running on the beach
8. Hosting Bailey, one of Tali's bridesmaids. I fell in love with her instantly! Her positive attitude and sweet spirit were a blessing on our home!
9. My dear friend, Haylee, made it down for the wedding. She spent the entirety of her short visit assisting the wedding party and me. I know she saved the day at least five times yesterday. At least.
10. The rain held off. For the bachelorette party, the rehearsal, and the wedding. This is no small feat in the middle of June. Thank you, God!
11. Exchanging words with my bestie. Mine were pronounced in the presence of witnesses, while hers were tucked away in an envelope. Both instances are sealed upon my heart.
12. Seeing myself more honestly. This is a scary thing, for sure, because my heart is so entwined in idols of control and acceptance and pride. In many moments of potential stress, I found myself taking a deep breath and choosing not to nag or question. I definitely found myself overreacting at times, but at least I was beginning to see my tendencies.
13. My husband selflessly ran around all day for the wedding party (okay, mostly for me!) without complaint.
14. The best man asked me more than once how he could help out. He even gave Tyler his tie, which matched my floral dress. Again, blessed by someone I met only Saturday.
15. The bridesmaids are the most wonderful bunch of ladies. Multiple times throughout the day, they checked in on me and asked me how I was. They even brought me food and made me sit down more than once. I received so many hugs that I was beginning to feel like the bride. Wow. Those girls love well.
16. Tali loved the decor! We worked so hard on the decorations and room set up in the morning. I had left the mostly-necessary information at home, so our group improvised instead. When Tali arrived and exhibited sheer delight at the sight of her reception barn, I was overjoyed.
17. My mom stepped in today and did an airport run for me. I enjoyed Dumbo and a nap with my newphew. Perfect rest and recuperation!