By Tim Richards
You have probably not heard this recent story, but it will likely make you smile. A couple of weeks ago Pam and Jeremy began joking they should go to Las Vegas and get married. Each assumed the other was not serious, but they soon began talking about booking a flight and getting married in a wedding chapel the next Sunday night.
Talk turned to action and the following Sunday they left Oklahoma City for Dallas which was the first leg of their wedding trip. After landing the couple learned their connecting flight to Vegas had been canceled.
Chris, a fellow passenger on the canceled flight heard Pam and Jeremy discussing whether they could get rebooked on another flight and make it to the wedding chapel in time. Chris, an ordained minister, offered to marry them. At the last minute, the three booked the final seats of a Southwest flight to Las Vegas which would leave from another Dallas airport. The couple and their newly recruited minister rushed to the other airport in time to board their new flight.
According to Southwest’s Facebook post here is what happened next, “As they boarded their flight, Pilot, Captain Gil, noticed Pam’s wedding dress and asked her about it (oh yeah, we forgot to mention: Pam and Jeremy were in full wedding attire, just for the fun of it!). Pam explained their story and joked with Captain Gil they should just get married on the flight. For the second time that week, Pam was surprised to hear the words, ‘Let’s do it!’”
The flight crew supplied toilet paper streamers and a snack mix sash for Chris. Julie, a flight attendant, volunteered to be the impromptu Maid of Honor. A professional photographer pulled out her camera and took the couple’s official wedding pictures. Another thoughtful traveler circulated a notebook so each passenger could sign and share their best wishes and seat number. The bride and groom were presented their unique guestbook. To view pictures of the wedding check out Southwest Facebook post; www.facebook.com/SouthwestAir/posts/10160519515343949
This couple’s story reminds me of Jesus’ first miracle which happened at a wedding. When the newlyweds ran out of wine at their wedding feast Jesus stepped in and turned water into wine. Scripture describes the event with these words, “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory…” (John 2:11, NLT)
While certainly on an infinitely lower level than Jesus, Pastor Chris let God’s love and glory shine through him when he volunteered to conduct Pam and Jeremy’s wedding. The photographer who stepped up, the person who circulated the unique guest book and the last-minute bridesmaid each responded appropriately. As we love and affirm special moments in other’s lives, we not only encourage them, but also glorify God. As we serve others, we are glorifying God through our kindness.
Tim Richards, author of “Thriving in the Storm: Discovering God’s Peace and Perspective in Turbulent Times,” grew up in rural Southeast Missouri and graduated from the Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago. During four decades as a pastor he has served five churches, three in rural Missouri and two in St. Louis. He may be reached by email at iamtimrichards@yahoo.com.
