Marriage Moats-Engaged

Published: Thu, 12/27/12

Marriage Moats

Caring for Marriage

Two couples I love announced their engagements over Christmas. It lit a fuse of excitement among friends and well wishers. Joy spilled into joy as people shared the news in coffee shops, on Facebook, by text and phone. In the strings of 100's of likes and comments the exclamation points were sprinkled like confetti. New conversations sprung up as quickly as white mushrooms, from yet more folks as they joined the rejoicing. The gladness crossed all manner of boundaries.... cities, continents, students, teachers, single, married, widowed, dating, and through four generations. People whose own marriages are gasping, or gone still rose up with genuine delight.

"May there be a blessing."

People are hard wired to celebrate marriage. The response pulses from the heart undiluted by deliberation. Another precious couple is exchanging vows next week. I have kept their invitation on my fridge even though it will happen hundreds of miles away in another country. I hold their promise sacred, and join in the flurry of benevolent prayers for their eternal happiness.

How is there enough good will to go around? With such an ubiquitous deluge each time, it seems unlikely that any is left in reserve for the next one. But then the smiles erupt and the party begins anew.

The flaw in that concern stems from misplaced logic. When we go to the pantry for pasta, there are only two bags. Cooking them, eating them takes them off the menu for tomorrow. There are no more noodles.

But joy does not work that way. It is as inexhaustible as the sunshine, or the sound of a cello. No matter how many sonatas Yo Yo Ma plays there is always another one waiting on the strings. A child's laughter is fresh each day, and there is no need to ration.

Bring on the good news. There is enough to go around the world.

Photo by Jenny Stein

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