I had the privilege of giving a speech at the wedding of Odin and Ria, my younger sister, last January 10, 2015. I wrote most of it months ago, right after she asked me to be her maid of honor, then started tweaking it a few days before the wedding, and finished it on the day itself.
If you had told my 10-year-old self that I would one day be saying so many nice things about my mortal enemy, I never would have believed it. I’m still not over how awesome that party was, and I am so thankful to God for letting me come home to be a part of it.
So many people told me it was too much to ask for to be free from my abusive company before the holidays without being slapped with a labour ban, to get all of the money that was owed me, to get a good job that I would enjoy, AND have a new employer that would allow me to come home for my sister’s wedding. Guess what? It WASN’T too much to ask for. So I did, and God gave me over and above what I asked. He is so good, all the time!
So here’s the little piece I wrote and read out loud in front of my sister, her new husband, our two extended families, and all their friends.
Hi everyone, I’m Ruby, a.k.a. the bride’s 3rd big sister… a.k.a. the sister whom the others’ boyfriends always had the worst time winning over…a.k.a. the sister who once stabbed the bride in the eye with a pencil. I am getting that over with because she will never, ever let me forget it. You still shouldn’t have ridden my rocking horse without permission.
A little family history: Unlike our two older sisters, Ria and I shared a similar awkward childhood. We were both huge dorks, although mine was in an awesome headgear and glasses kind of way, and hers was in a lame back-brace and braces kind of way. Even though we absolutely loathed each other for most of our early childhood (Mom, Dad, we are so sorry for those back-seat shoving incidents and VCR tape fights), I think subconsciously the horrifying memories of being ugly ducklings really bonded us when we were older. It had different effects on us, though. While this made me more hard-edged and cynical, Ria’s *sweet*, people-oriented nature resulted in her being completely neurotic and hysterical. Haha!
Seriously, though, I don’t think I know another person who has so much going for her who spent so much time doubting herself. She’s grown into this beautiful, intelligent, talented woman and I don’t think she ever really believed how special she is…until she met Odin.
In the time that you guys have been together, sure, she still has her occasional moments of complete and utter meltdown. But I have seen what Odin’s presence in her life has done for her self-confidence. I have nothing but approval for a man who not only sees Ria’s value, which is easy, but who reflects what he sees and loves in her, so that she sees it too. And that’s the not so easy part.
This morning I was planning to wake Ria up before our agreed-upon time. But when I walked into her room, I found that she was already up, reading her Bible on the balcony. She later told me what her verse of scripture was (from Psalm 32):
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
As I gave her a hug, excited about her wedding day, I knew I didn’t have to worry about her marriage or her big move to Australia (even though I’ll miss her terribly). I don’t have to worry — and not just because I know Odin is a great guy — but because I know God is going to be guiding them every step of the way, individually as well as together.
Here’s all the advice I have to give you, since I have no experience in the marriage department. Love each other. Trust each other. Cleave to each other and don’t let go. When times get hard, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
You guys spent the first two years shuttling back and forth during a long-distance relationship, defying the odds and a few cynical people (not going to name names) who said long-distance never works. And here you are, still together and facing an amazing life ahead…together. Against the odds. I am happily eating my humble pie.
Odin and Ria, may your quarrels be few and brief, your bellies be full…of hopefully healthy food, your home be ringing with laughter, and your life together bring you more and more joy each day as you both grow in God’s, and each other’s, love.
I love you both! Congratulations.
