I visited New Orleans for the first time. We went to celebrate the wedding of my sister in law. I regret not going to New Orleans sooner. Everything about the trip was wonderful, especially the wedding and the love that surrounded Sara and John. Rather than write them a letter of card. I thought I would post some feelings for them.
These two people believe. They believe in themselves. They believe in the world. They carry in their hearts a faith in the world. That faith spills out in their relationships. They believe in their friends and their family. They make people feel better about themselves. People who meet them and know them are better people for the meeting. This is one of the highest accomplishments of personhood.
These two also love. They love on a large scale I think seldom encountered in our existence. I have found this love for my self as well. I want to reflect on that love of spouse and family and God. I remember hearing at a wedding once that the day of the marriage is the day the bride and groom love the least. If the plan works, you only fall deeper and more strongly in love every
day, even if you do not feel it. Every living things grows at its own rate and pace. I planted a baby oak tree one time. I’ll wait twenty-five years for an acorn but the tree will outlive me. Marriage love is like that. The wedding is a spark but the flame will light your heart brighter than we can imagine. It is a slow drip of water and eventually your cup runneth over.
Metaphors aside, life and love only get bigger and wider and deeper. Now, I look back on my own past few years. All reflections boils down to the thought “I didn’t know my heart could love this much”. And even now I cannot fathom how much more will come. I cannot comprehend it. You begin to have a glimpse at the Love God must have for Creation. If it is anything like how I feel for my family and friends and wife and daughter, There could only be a power greater than my feeble understanding, What could ever hold all that?
Sara and John, as you join my family and join into the journey, I am so glad to love both of you on the way. We will have many years together. Our children will
know each other. I am very grateful for both of you. I am very grateful to have been believed in by you and loved by you. Thank you for sharing the ceremony of your wedding. I look forward to seeing your family very soon.
Amen