Toast for My Brother's Wedding

"A piece of marriage wisdom

for an overflowing cup.

When you're right admit it,

and when you're wrong, shut up."

                                ~Anonymous

Obviously Curt and I have been brothers since the day he was born. We grew up doing brotherly things, like playing together, fighting, going on family trips and probably driving our parents crazy. It was not until high school that I started thinking of my brother as a peer. We drove around to many places together - tennis practice, musical rehearsal, and even shared small adventurers on road trips to the beach or a youth group retreat or camping.

We attended Penn State, University Park, the same year, myself as a junior and Curt as a freshmen, and it is when I really viewed my brother as a friend. He was the life of the party, introduced me to my future wife and even let me tag along on his adventurers around campus. College was much more memorable because of him.

Curt graduated and moved to Maryland. Teach for America in inner-city  Baltimore was not easy; a little more adventure than planned. I am proud of my brother for working hard and being patient and determined. We were happy whe he moved to again, partially for his safety, up to State College where he now serves in a great church and has met some amazing friends. He is full of life, and now a man that I look up to: a man that seeks after the Lord's heart, is willing to serve others, and is still the life of the party : )

All this time Curt did not date anyone, hardly at all, and I always thought that he could not find anyone that could keep up with him. By now, his adventurers had gone international. Months in Brazil, teaching in Ecuador, trips to Costa Rica and anywhere else friends would be. I cannot even tag alone anymore. One night while staying at my parents house, we were in PJs getting ready for bed when Curt and his wedding date stopped by to say hello, before continuing their trip home to State College. We did not know how much more we would see of Lois, though Curt may have had an idea, and we were happy to get to know such a Godly, thoughtful and wonderful woman; a great companion for my brother . . . And really, sometimes I wonder if he can keep up with her!

They are married now, the greatest adventure two people can share together . . . and we are so happy for both of you, pray that God will bless and keep you and love you very much . . .if you all will find a glass, or jar, to raise for Curt and Lois:

To adventure, and all the adventurers to come!