As I sit at my desk this morning watching my students do a worksheet, I am keenly aware that the “summer of the monkeys” has come to an end. But I don’t say this because I am sad or disappointed – I can honestly say the last six weeks has exceeded my expectations in just about every category (namely: adventure, community, joy, and intimacy with Jesus).

I meant to post a blog every few days during this journey but I could hardly find the time. If I wasn’t driving or eating Chipotle, I was playing my guitar with little kids or hiking up a mountain – all good reasons that these blogs will be written weeks later.

Which brings me to perhaps my favorite weekend of the summer. On July 26th, my dear friends Josh and Elie hosted their wedding in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

I met Josh 2 summers ago at a beach party. At the time in our group of friends we had 4 Josh’s so we had to use adjectives to distinguish them (brother Josh, dancing Josh, Mormon Josh, and fishing Josh). It would take you two seconds to realize this Josh was undoubtedly “fishing Josh.” His passion for fishing was second only to his passion for Jesus – which wouldn’t take you long to discover either. I have met very few people who are quicker to share of the hope they have than Josh is.

A few months later I met Elie. I wasn’t sure about her at first – she was college roommates with a good friend of mine from Williston and had recently moved to our city for a nursing job – she was a bit reserved, and kind of blunt. But it didn’t take me long to realize she would be a lifelong friend – truly a treasure. Thanks to our abnormal work schedules, we have an abundance of quality time together (read: she gets me to the gym). She has helped me walk through seasons of sorrow and of joy in our few years of friendship.

They’re embarrassed to admit it – but they officially started dating on Valentine’s Day. (And by that I mean, she agreed to his query at the end of a 7-page letter). They had spent the last several months dancing around the idea that they liked each other, and it was time to say “Hey, let’s see where this might go.”

What an honor it was to watch Josh lead Elie well. Over the course of the next year we would all see a glimpse of a man seeking the Lord as he pursued his future wife. He didn’t just pursue Elie, he pursued her family and her friends – and most importantly took every step with the leading of Christ.

It was of little surprise to us when the hunt for the ring began last fall. 3 months later, with that ring burning in his pocket – he asked Elie to be his wife. (With another really long letter and lots of rose petals – take notes, male readers). It took her about .01 seconds to exclaim “Yes!” In fact, I’m not sure he even finished asking before she accepted.

For all of these reasons, their wedding was an extravagant celebration. I banked on the waterproof mascara as I watched the ceremony from the back. Josh’s love and passion for Elie mirrors the passion Christ has for the church – and I can’t help but share this video of him as Elie walks down the aisle.

Before the vows were read, Josh and Elie turned to the crowd and shared the gospel message with everyone in attendance. Josh stated it was the most important thing he and Elie could ever share with anyone, and he’d be honored to share more with anyone wanting to know Christ.

It would’ve been impossible not to hear that gospel that day – by my count it was preached about 30 times.

Josh’s 4th passion is probably GoPro video cameras. So of course, he had two of them hiding in the arch – poised to capture the pinnacle of the ceremony:

What an honor to be a part of your special day, J & E. Thank you for reminding me of Christ’s passion and the power of the gospel. Elie…we gotta hit the gym on Monday morning. No excuses.

Endnote: They are back from the Costa Rican honeymoon, and Josh’s response to every circumstance is “Pura Vida!” (Translated: full life, and praise God!)

Zechariah 2:8

“…the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.”