It was my first church where I was a full-time minister.
I recall spotting the best man striding purposefully towards me. It was after the wedding service, but before the reception had begun. He was pale, skinny, and so (so) young! In a tuxedo looking like he’d co-starred in a teen slasher film that ended badly and predictably at a prom, he stopped in front of me.
“Thanks,†he said, “for doing Tommy’s wedding.â€
“You’re welcome.†(I don’t remember the groom’s name, but why not Thomas? Tommy to his pals.)
“He wanted me to give you this.†The best man reached into a jacket pocket and then handed me a folded envelope.
“Gotta go take pictures for the wedding party thing,†he said. “But thanks, again.â€
I slipped the envelope in my Bible. Since the wedding was for the granddaughter of one of the long-time church members, I knew quite a few in attendance. I socialized, soon moseying over to where pictures were being taken and posing for a friendly photo with the new newlyweds. The reception followed. Boring me, I left early.
It was on the way home that I glanced at the envelope. Continue reading →