It seems to me that marriage is a kind of a calling, at the very least, to a commitment.
Given our times, I'm still struck by the desire people have to do it — to make this kind of commitment, to be in union with another person. When I think about the significance of this day, I think about it in at least 3 ways:
As a friend or family member, I'm struck by the significance such gatherings represent about the lives we live. So many have made a contribution to Makenzie and Caleb, either by their experience of you in their lives or by your very presence at the wedding. Many came from far away, just to be there for these few hours. Many gave generously to them in one way or another to make the day special. So many were generous to us, as their parents. Tami and are deeply grateful for these things, for each of you who have been involved.
As a parent, I really feel grateful for Makenzie's desire for marriage. I can still remember how we would dance together, when she was a little girl. I am grateful for how Makenzie has come to know that she is loved — that she can both receive love and give love.
Thirdly, as a person, I am excited about this marriage, for her sake. I can also remember when we found Makenzie, still very young, walking on a 4-foot tall ledge on the side of our house...by herself! She was both careful and fearless. Where we felt the possibility of danger; she felt the possibility of something exciting. And then there was the time when she came up to us from the backyard holding a little wild bunny in her hands; she felt connection and tenderness. And, from there, Makenzie has continued — to desire life, to experience life, and to grow in life.
And so, here we are, today at her marriage.
Surely, the path of marriage, if like our own, will be harder than can really be anticipated, but it will also be...better. I can attest to both of these realities. In our view, those who make and sustain this kind of desire for and commitment to another person are traveling on a road — a road to a kind of betterment — the kind that changes you, those around you, and probably in some mysterious way, the world.
Makenzie, may you become all that you can become, may your marriage be a vehicle for traveling into the embrace of all of who you are, and may the life you create (figuratively or literally) be a reflection of the greatness and beauty of God. And, when this feels impossible to see anymore, just keep going. Because, this is in fact a path, one that many have travelled, and it can lead to goodness.
Caleb, I really can't think of anyone who seems more suited to walk this life with Makenzie. There is a lot about you that I don't know. But, through our correspondence and time together, I have gotten to know some things. I am grateful for:
Even when you don't manifest all of these things perfectly, they give me great confidence that you are a part of what it looks like to love Makenzie. And, she, you.
So, I am excited for both of you — for what you will receive from each other, for what you will learn to give to each other from your increasingly full selves...from all that God has made you to be.
May God bless both you...AND others through your union of marriage!
