Some people spend a lot of their time and energy to be the first one at something or anything. For me, it just happened.

Tim and I had been dating for about six months when he asked me to go to his aunt’s wedding. He was very excited since she asked him to walk her down the aisle. How could I pass on that?

I knew I would be meeting some of his family for the first time. Not being a shy person, I don’t mind meeting new people or being around people I don’t know very well. As my mom always says, “Just get in there and go with the best of them.”

That being said, when we first arrived at the wedding, I was somewhat taken aback. I had no idea his family was so large. My immediate family was rather small in comparison to his. In fact, the closest I could think of being in a group that size was homecoming at my old church. Of course, I was introduced all around. At that point, my main concern was remembering all their names.

Before I go any further, I want to make something perfectly clear. Tim’s relatives were very kind, sweet, and welcoming. They still are. And they are also a lot of fun.

Now, back to the wedding. Soon, I began to notice glancing my way and whispering to each other. Even after we sat down for the wedding ceremony, they continued looking over at me. When I looked back their way, they’d flash large sweet smiles and wave. Of course, I smiled and waved back.

To be honest, I was somewhat perplexed about their behavior. I remember thinking, “You’d think this the first time Tim has brought a girl around them.”

Apparently, I was right. As more people sat closer to me, I began to hear, “Timmy’s brought a girl.” I heard it the rest of the evening. Then I began to wonder if they planned on me marrying Tim.

Apparently, I was right again. When it was time for Tim’s aunt to throw her bouquet, I stood back. I wasn’t going to stand with the other girls waiting to catch it. I felt as if it wasn’t right for me to try to catch it from somebody I had just met. That honor belonged to one of her many nieces or other relatives.

They all told me: “You need to be up here, too.” Somebody even gave me a gentle little shove. So, I walked up and joined the other girls standing in front of the beautiful bride. I had no intention of trying to catch it.

That’s when I saw his aunt glancing over to some other family members. Then she reared back and threw the bouquet straight to me. I am talking if I hadn’t caught it, it would have smacked me in the face. And none of Tim’s female relatives even tried to catch it.

I guess you could call it the handwriting on the wall. From that moment on, I knew what his family expected. By the way, Tim was grinning from ear to ear.

As soon as we got into his car to leave, I asked, “So you’ve never brought a girl home to your family before me?” He simply replied, “Nope, you’re the first one.”

Now, I can see why Tim’s family reacted the way they did. And I can see why they had thoughts of us marrying. They love him very much and they knew for Tim to bring a girl around was a big deal.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

Regardless of our thoughts and desires, God’s thoughts about our future are the only ones that matter. It’s not always easy to let go and let Him lead, but that is the thing for us to do.

I have joked with some of Tim’s family about that night. And do you know what’s so funny? Most of them don’t even remember doing that. I always will. Even now when I think about it, I feel special.