Yesterday was one of those unforgettable moments that will stay with Ali and me forever: our son’s wedding day.
It was a beautiful whirlwind of joy, emotion, and gratitude all rolled into one. We had prayed for this day, prepared for it, and dreamed about it for so long. When it finally arrived, all we could do was stand there in awe, shaking our heads at the incredible goodness of God.
The rehearsal dinner the night before was such a special time…full of laughter, good food, and heartfelt stories.
Sitting there listening to family and friends share memories from different chapters of our son’s life reminded me of how many people God uses to shape us. There was something sacred about that evening. Hearing the love, encouragement, and humor that comes from a community who have done life together.
It wasn’t just a dinner. It was a celebration of everything that matters most: love, family, and faith all woven together through the years.
Then came the big day. The wedding was everything we hoped it would be and carried a sense of joy and grace that’s hard to put into words. Watching our son stand there confident, joyful, and ready to begin this next chapter, was both humbling and deeply moving. And when his bride walked down the aisle…radiant, peaceful, and calm, it was hard not to get emotional seeing the answer to so many prayers standing right in front of us.
As parents, there’s definitely a deep exhale that comes once it’s all said and done, that mix of joy, relief, and gratitude. (And maybe just a touch of, “Whew… we made it!”) You look back and realize how God has been preparing that moment all along through the prayers, late-night talks, lessons learned, and the people He’s used to help shape our children into who they become.
One of the biggest things that stood out to me was how this beautiful couple became who they are. It didn’t happen by accident. It was the Lord’s faithful work through parents, grandparents, siblings, pastors, mentors, and friends, each one pouring into them, encouraging them, challenging them, and loving them along their journey.
That phrase: pouring into others, really stayed with me. Because in the process of pouring into others, we often find ourselves filled. It’s one of the great paradoxes of life: when we give of ourselves… our time, our energy, our love… we actually gain strength, joy, and renewal.
But here’s the truth: you can’t keep giving if you’re running on empty.
Your body, mind, and spirit all need regular care and replenishment to keep going strong. Just like you can’t make it through a wedding weekend without some rest, you can’t live a meaningful, healthy life without margin. When your body is aligned, rested, and restored, you have the energy to love, serve, and show up fully for the people who matter most.
We are not designed to live self-focused lives. God designed us to love, to serve, and to give, and in doing so, He refreshes us. True health isn’t just about avoiding pain; it’s about being prepared to fully show up for the moments that matter.
So as I think back on the wedding… the joy, the tears, the laughter, and the love that filled the room, I’m reminded again how good God is, and how rich life becomes when we stay connected, grateful, and healthy enough to keep pouring into others.
From one grateful (and recovering) dad,
Dr. Derek Taylor
