Today a couple will get married.
There will be laughter and tears.
Stories told and toasts made.
The bride and groom will be excited and nervous.
And, relieved when the marriage ceremony is over and the party begins.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of officiating at a many weddings.
And, for all the wonderful, heartfelt, family and friends filled moments
The moment which is most important goes by in a heartbeat.
It is when the couple joins hands,
And looks into each other’s eyes
And says to each other “I promise…”
And, while the words that follow vary from couple to couple, the promise they are making is to walk towards tomorrow together. A tomorrow which they cannot clearly see or fully imagine. A tomorrow in which their hearts will break from both overflowing joy and from deep sadness and sorrow. A tomorrow in which some of their dreams will be realized, others dreams set aside and new dreams emerge.
I will stand with them today.
And ask them to join hands.
And to look into each other’s eyes
And to say those words which will launch them into the unknown.
May their love grow to be deep enough and strong enough for the journey.
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