There is a couple who recently renewed their vows. I can still recall the joy of their engagement. It happened on a trip to the lake over Christmas break with a bunch of their friends. The wedding was joyful, as two families who had lived in the same small town celebrated this new beginning. Ten years and three small children later the couple wanted to rededicate themselves.
The ceremony took place in the church with family and friends around, and a wiggly one year old vying for attention. People in the congregation needed tissues to stay dry as they witnessed the innocence and chaos all tangled together. The couple spoke directly to each other about their journey with the pull of careers and children, and their commitment.
Afterwards their children offered flowers to all the women present and they shared plates of cookies and fruit.
Perhaps they chose to invite people to share in their own joy. Maybe they had the wisdom to know that being there also had a powerful impact on their guests. All of us need renewing, as regularly as our bodies need food and our lungs need air. We were sure when we began but amnesia sets in.
Why did I agree to do this? I knew once upon a time, but right now I forget.
It is a blessing to have reminders as most of us are young and have a tendency to lose our way.
