Speaking of Date Night

In my message on Sunday and in my last blog post I mentioned dating my wife. Well, Sunday night was date night. We had a blast - and someone else picked up the tab! I had a wedding at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. Janet usually doesn't get to go with me to the the weddings I do. But there was no Youth Group Sunday night and the couple I was marrying was so sweet and kind and made a point to invite both Janet and I to come and stay for the reception and enjoy the evening with their friends and family. We took them up on it. I'm glad we did.

First of all, I have a hard time not thinking about Janet and our marriage at every wedding I perform, especially when she is there. I find myself looking for her during the ceremony to make eye contact. After the ceremony and the signing of the marriage license, we just hung out and enjoyed the evening together. I know that might sound strange when we didn't really know anyone, but we have a way of blocking everything else out and just focusing on each other. However, everyone there was very friendly and gracious.

And the FOOD WAS AWESOME! I have to tell you about it. First of all, immediately after the wedding on the Terrace Lawn behind the Sanctuary they had h'orderves and an open bar. No, I didn't get liquored up. I tried to spike Janet's Diet Coke, but she was having none of it. They had dozens of wait staff walking around serving many different kinds of delicious appetizers. I've done a lot of weddings at Kiawah and that's pretty standard, but they also had an oyster and shrimp bar. Very nice. But what sent it over the top was the Sushi Bar (that's right Jeff)! I've just started eating Sushi this year and it was unbelievable. Janet, however, could pass up all of it.

Next they opened the doors to the ballroom for a sit down dinner. After several toasts and a blessing from me, we were served an unbelievable meal! The first course was She Crab Soup with Creamed Sherry (warm and yummy). The Salad that came next was Crisp Bitter Greens with Warm Nut Crusted Goat Cheese and Honey Thyme Dressing (sounds funky, but very good). And then for the Entree: Seared Beef Filet Mignon, Olive Oil Poached Maine Lobster, Butter & Herb Whipped Potatoes, Jumbo Asparagus, with a Red Wind Demi Glace. That's right baby - steak & lobster! At this point we were stuffed! We stayed to watch the cutting of the cake, but didn't stay to eat a piece for dessert.

When we got home and told the kids about the food and our meal, Christopher's comment was, "And you get paid to do this!" Yes I do - life is good. But you know what, as beautiful as the setting was, nothing compares to catching my wife's eyes when I'm talking to a Bride and Groom about the life long covenant they're about to enter. And as great as the food was, it pales in comparison to simply opening the door for my wife, holding her hand, laughing together at an inside joke, grabbing her under the table, and feeling as though you're the only two people in a crowded room and you're still the most blessed man on the planet. Ecc. 9:9, "Enjoy life with your wife whom you love."