Alissa and I are three days out from our wedding and I have been absent from campus for most of this week as we make last-minute preparations for the wedding and honeymoon, and as I take care of end-of-the-year fundraising and administration.  It has been a joyful, stressful, and just flat out full season where we feel like we are drinking life from a fire hose.  It is a wonderful and busy time.

Here is one more thing that has made this week (and, frankly, this whole year) the best I’ve ever had: This morning I received the following email from “The Love Monkeys” (i.e., an anonymous cadre of NYU grad and/or professional students):

Dear David,

As you are reading this, you are probably thinking about the next thing you have to do for the big day! I just wanted to send you a quick note to encourage you. We have been so blessed this semester by your presence in our fellowship. You have really added so much to our community in so many different ways. Thank you for being willing to jump in and be vulnerable, sharing your story and letting us in our your life. Thanks for the time spent preparing to share bible studies and the other things you do, plus you have other fellowships that you have to do so much for as well!

A quick verse for you: Psalm 37:3-5, 7a

 “Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

 I know you only have a few days until the wedding, and I can imagine that there is a LOT of stress involved with that. Couple that with financial struggles and it is not always easy to manage. If you are feeling anxious, I just want to encourage you and remind you that God is good. He is there for you, He has your back, He will provide, and He will never let you fall outside of His plan for you. So stay strong! Trust in the Lord, wait patiently for Him. He will see you through all of this, and afterwards you will look back and praise Him for His faithfulness. Know that we are praying for you too.

You are loved,

The Love Monkeys

Thank you so much, Love Monkeys!  Your prayers and encouraging words mean more to me than you know.  I love you guys too and I can’t wait to be with you again post-honeymoon.

Your friend, servant, and fellow love monkey,