What is the meaning of life? What is its purpose? What are we suppose to do with it? The world is full of dark and threatening forces, but it is also full of beauty and wonder. There is poverty and disease. There are terrible hardships. There is also abundance and opportunity.
Together two people consider their futures. They can only see a short way, but they stand ready to choose their destiny.
At the fork in the roadof life, a man and a woman stand. An officiate stands with them to guide them through this life changing moment.
The event is adorned with glamour and spectacle or it may be one of simplicity. The couple may be alone or surrounded by an crowd of friends, family, and associates. Often there are flowers or streamers or even candles helping to create a setting of elegance and significance.
Silently the man waits, but deep inside tremors of emotion shake and erupt. He wonders whether he is doing the right thing; or if everything will turn out ok; or whether he has the courage to see this through. There is fear and doubt mixed with hope, anticipation, excitement. As she enters, a wave of panic and glee rush over him. Who could be more lovely? How could I be so lucky?
The woman has entered down the aisle the focus of every eye. Her beauty is sublime. Her elegance supreme. As she stands beside the man, she is thrilled with anticipations of wonder. Doubts, fears, feelings of hesitation, however, rush in for a moment. She wonders who this man really is? What will he be like in the future? Then she looks into his eyes, and a joy begins bubbling up within. As uncertain as the future may be, she believes in him and stands ready to give him her heart forever.
Words of welcome are spoken by the officiate. He proceeds to clarify this purpose and meaning of this sacred event. “The words you say here, and the things you do here today; will forever change your lives.”
The world stands still. All that was, will suddenly and permanently transform. The man and the woman will never be the same again. In this moment, they launch a new life full of adventure, challenges, and opportunities.
The details vary greatly. The wedding may be enhanced with all manner of ritual, ceremony, or activity depending on the culture and preferences of the man and woman. They may even choose to design a unique event all their own to express their devotion to each other.
The man states his commitment to his bride and to their life together. The words also vary. Sometimes they are very traditional or modern or unique. The essence of the commitment, however, remains a constant.
“I am yours. My heart, my life, all I am, all I have I give to you. As we face life together, I promise to consider your needs and listen to your desires. I promise to protect you and provide for you. In sickness or in health, in good times and bad, I will love you forever.”
Love is meant to be shared. So the bride responds to the commitments and expressions of love from the groom; with her own.
You are now my husband, and I am you wife. I will honor and respect you as my husband. I will stand by your side in good times and bad. I will tenderly comfort you and share my joy with you. I give you my heart, my body, and my life. I love you.
To seal these commitments, the bride and groom kiss, and in that moment old things are passed away and all things have become new.
Uncertain days may lie ahead, but together they are stronger than they ever were alone. Together they can overcome obstacles and challenges that would have crippled them alone. Together they have the opportunity to shape the future and grasp untold blessings.