Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37
It’s my Day 2 of being a missus.
Today’s plan is to go to the municipal hall to register our marriage certificate.
Before we could do that, we had to stop by at the wedding venue to claim a document we’d be needing to register our papers.
Since our wedding venue also happens to be a cafe, my husband and I decided to stay for lunch.
It was our first date as a married couple.
Looking at the function room where all the laughter, tears, and loving moments were held put a smile on my face.
I still have a “wedding hangover” — if there is even such a thing.
Sitting there looking around the cozy cafe and the beautiful carpet of green grass and tall trees as its view made me realize something.
A few days before the “wedding bells rang,” we met my mom at the said cafe.
She wanted to know the directions going to our house so she wouldn’t get lost. We suggested to meet her at the wedding venue since we had to coordinate something about the decoration.
After checking out the function room and talking to the person-in-charge, we went back to our table where my son was busy drinking my Iced Mocha.
My mom asked how many guests we were expecting.
50.
She was wondering if all the guests would fit in the room.
(Yes, it was quite a small room).
I told her the backstory of why we decided to hold the event at that cafe instead of this clubhouse at this beautiful village.
I saw the dissatisfaction in her face.
As a recovering people-pleaser, I was tempted to ask her if she wanted to check the other place out even though there was really no need to because we have already paid for our chosen venue.
So, I talked with my then-fiance when we got home.
I shared with him that I was struggling with being content with the venue where we would be exchanging our vows.
He tried to comfort me by telling me it’s not really about the place.
I was still discontent. But I kept silent.
I know there’s nothing else I can do since we have already paid more than half of the package we availed.
Back to my first date with my now-husband, I realized that the Lord was teaching me something.
When I think about the smiles on people’s faces and how wonderful everything went, I realized that the Lord was teaching me to be content.
Being thankful is one thing.
(I can be thankful for the beautiful venue decorations but discontent with its size.)
Being thankful AND content is another.
I shared this realization with my husband. He asked me what I think led to my discontent.
I paused and thought for a while.
Aha!
It was my desire to please my mom.
Writing about these made me realize (then again!) another thing.
That I judged my mom’s intentions by assuming her thoughts and concluding that she was dissatisfied.
I’m not saying I shouldn’t look at the signs or read the nonverbals. But really, I have no control to whatever thoughts or feelings she may have towards our decisions.
All I have control over is my response.
To be thankful and content — these I can do. These I have control over.
Eye on the Sky
Thank You, my Jesus, for being patient with me. Thank You for holding my hand as You gently lead me to change my perspective and see things from Your eyes. Please help me constantly turn my eyes on You as I also turn to You to fill my desires — desires for approval and love. In Jesus’ name.
Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness!
- First husband-and-wife treat (with the bonus revelation on the side!)
- Registration of marriage certificate at the municipal hall
- The nudge to be thankful and content
Coffee Sessions with Mama Sel 