It was not going well.
She was a professional, and liked to tie everything down. Her team knew what was expected of them, and had worked enough big events not to get in a panic when something went wrong.
She'd handled drunks and accidents, and the time when the chicken turned out to be decidedly "off". She'd even stepped in and rescued the situation when a fight broke out between the two families.
Who'd be a wedding planner?
But this was another whole level of different, and it was all on her. How could the she have under-ordered so badly? It was only the second day. There were no surprise extras at the party, and even the ones who had turned up were remarkably moderate in their consumption. But here she was, scouring the town for fresh supplies of booze when the shops were all shut for the holiday weekend. If she didn't find some soon, she'd have a riot on her hands - not to mention the damage to her reputation.
he walked back into the substantial home half an hour later, carrying a single jug of plonk, she had reached rock bottom. She had no ideas left, but was prepared to face the music. That's what professionals do.
She breathed in deeply as she grasped the handle to walk into the feast. Eyes apologetic. Mouth set in grim determination.
But as she cracked the door, the sound that emerged surprised her. Not low, angry murmers, but a loud animated buzz of conversation punctuated with laughter. She entered and swept the room with her professional gaze. Glasses full. Servers all present. The couple beaming at each other. Everyone having a good time. No, not a good time - a great time! The only odd thing was that they were serving the vino from water jugs.
The tinkle of cutlery on glass, and the MC stood to make an announcement.
"Raise your glasses of this excellent red please... ladies and gentlemen to the happy couple".
…and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realise where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.’ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2 v 9-10
