• Feb. 12, 2008
Aaaahhhhhh....
That's not a frantic, stressed, screaming sort of "aaaahhhhh."
That's a thankful, content, joyful kind of "aaaahhhhh."
The 2-night Sweetheart Banquet for which we've been praying, planning, and pondering for months on end is behind us for another year. As we made final preparations and worked to see our plan come together last week, Psalm 115:1 resonated in my heart:
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness."
As we planned the 2008 Sweetheart Banquet, our hearts' desire was that Jesus would be honored and glorified. We want to provide an opportunity for the adult couples of our church to bring friends and enjoy an evening where marriage is celebrated; where they can relax, laugh, be pampered, and receive encouragement for their relationships; and where they will hear that it's only because of Jesus that we can love one another. Our hope is in Him.
This event is our Jr. and Sr. High students' opportunity to serve. Not only had they been practicing their songs and comedy sketches since October, but they also gave multiple hours in setting up, serving, entertaining, taking down, and cleaning up. I can't express how good it is to see them working together and loving each other. Their love for one another is so evident. What a joy it is to love these kids...and be loved by them.
This year's black and white formal-themed banquet was simply entitled, "Unforgettable." Once guests entered the main vestibule, they were transported to a gorgeous winter wonderland. The idea was that they were walking through a city park prior to entering the "restaurant" for their romantic dinner. It was truly breathtaking. Couples made a brief visit to our "studio" where they had their picture taken. The 5X7 black and white photos were available to them at the conclusion of the evening.
Upon entering the "restaurant" (which was simply decorated with black and white table linens, white branches in tall vases, flickering candlelight, and splashes of red roses), they were able to casually enjoy a variety of hor's douvres and sparkling white grape juice. Once seated, our kids began table service. The first course consisted of a Candied Pecan Salad with Gorgonzola and Raspberry Vinaigrette. Next came White Garlic Lasagna with fresh green beans and dinner rolls with herb butter. Finally, our guests were treated to two different varieties of cheesecake: New York Style with strawberries and a chocolate heart or Turtle.
The kids sang numerous love songs including Unforgettable and The Way You Look Tonight. They also acted out numerous funny skits. The one that struck a chord with me was entitled "All the Way to Heaven." It featured an "elderly" couple who had been married for 60 years. Though old, Frank & Maggie were young at heart. They were a spritely little couple! They finished each other's sentences and even after all those years, Frank still kept Maggie laughing...all the way to heaven. They discussed the hard times they'd had and how they had stuck it out.
Though it was just a skit featuring a couple of our seniors with walkers and gray wigs, the truth of it resonated in my heart. Tears filled my eyes as I saw my husband and me in 44 years. He'll likely still be chasing me (and I'll be slowing down to let him). I'll be laughing (still) at his well-timed sense of humor. We'll know each other's thoughts before they're even spoken. We'll look back on the hard, trying times and see how God used those times to make us holy. What a joy it is to be loved by that man of mine...all the way to heaven.
My husband gave a devotional at the conclusion of the kids' performance. We've already heard from numerous couples who brought friends. They've testified that the night provided them an opportunity to share the gospel with friends who don't yet have a relationship with Jesus. We praise God for the work He did this weekend. To His name be the glory!
Pictures of people to come...
