Say “yes” to the dress! The wonder of weddings. One of the most memorable events in the lives of many is their wedding day. The public commitment of a couple’s personal love for each other. Often there is an engagement period followed by preparation for the wedding. A vast array of cultural differences comprise this special happening. Venues for the ceremony also vary. Religious facilities, outdoor spaces and destination vacation sites are just a few of the many chosen places for weddings. Wedding size may be as simple as the couple and two witnesses or a huge gathering of hundreds of invited guests. Financial expense may range from a simple sum all the way to tens of thousands of dollars for a very lavish celebration.
I was relaxing in the outer courtyard of a hotel in an Asia country, when I heard loud, pulsating music wafting down the busy street. Soon appeared a team of white horses clad in the finest of bejeweled head bands and colorful cloth coverings. The horses were pulling a brilliantly decorated carriage upon which was seated the groom. He was dressed in the finest of garments. Dancers followed the carriage, singing and chanting their way along. To my delight the carriage stopped in front of the very hotel I was occupying! The groom disembarked and entered the hotel, where I quickly observed he was meeting his awaiting, beautiful bride.
The year 2018 shall mark the 40th anniversary of marriage for my wife and me. The strength of our enduring and satisfying relationship as husband and wife can be summarized in the biblical words “Serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
As unique and memorable as a wedding may be, it is meant to be the forerunner of a mutually enjoyable marriage. The year 2018 shall mark the 40th anniversary of marriage for my wife and me. The strength of our enduring and satisfying relationship as husband and wife can be summarized in the biblical words “Serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (Galatians 5:13-15). There is no neighbour nearer than one’s spouse. As we learn to serve the other in daily life, love grows, forgiveness flows and appreciation flourishes.