We got a call from our officiant this week to confirm the details of our ceremony. Wow. Amidst all the chaotic excitement in planning the celebration, it's nice when something like a phone call reminds you what the day will really be about.
The reverend asked us if we'd like to ask someone to do a reading during our ceremony, so I started thinking about readings that I'd heard at other friends' weddings:
"Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in wrong-doing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things. Love hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4
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"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you that are holdings yours today, on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eye, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that may tenderly hold your children one day. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."
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"Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth."
Apache Wedding Prayer Blessing
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Yes, this is what it's all about.