This weekend ended my fall wedding mayhem. In the last six weeks, I attended five weddings. (I was invited to a sixth but wasn’t able to make it.) For these weddings, I was once a bridesmaid, once a guestbook attendant, and twice I had to cross state lines early on Saturday morning to complete the double-header wedding weekend.

But as I’ve enjoyed these weeks of wedding madness, I’ve had time to think about marriage and even the value of weddings. This is what I like about the big day:

*I’ve been reminded that marriage is God’s idea. Regardless of the beliefs of the people getting married, they are participating in a ceremony—a rite of passage—that God created (Genesis 2:24).

*It is a picture of Christ’s love for me. God has committed his love to me forever (Ephesians 5:22, Isaiah 62, Ezekiel 16).

*Weddings are a picture of the Gospel. Christ has said his vows by laying down his life for every person in this world. And just as two people aren't married until they say “I do,” every person must say “I do” to accepting the love that Jesus has for us (Revelation 3:20).

*It is a time to rejoice with those who rejoice. Jealousy will rob you of your ability to be joyful for your friends and family (Romans 12:15).

*It is an honor to witness the biggest commitment two people will ever make.