The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (NIV)
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, I had the pleasure officiating the outdoor wedding. It was a very hot day, but the couple was radiant! Fortunately, a slight breeze began to pick-up as the ceremony processed, making everyone a bit more comfortable in the open farm field.
One of the final parts of the event was the lighting of a unity candle, i.e., the bride and
the groom each light their own candle – and then use it to light one central candle,
reflecting the reality that “two become one.” As the couple joined their candles at the
wick of the unity candle, it ignited, and the flame came to light! What a great symbol to
start their marriage!
And then the slight breeze blew out the flame! It was one of those moments that they don’t teach you want to do in seminary. My first thought was relief that the candles didn’t blow over and start a fire in the bone-dry grass. And then, as sometimes happens, that the words came to me, “There may be times in your marriage that pressures and – difficulties – like this breeze – may mpact your feelings for each other. All you need to do then is re-light that which unites you and rekindle the love you have for each other.”
With smiles for each other, the couple was then announced as husband and wife –
sealed with a kiss!
May we always remember that things happen that we can not control. However, how we
respond to those events – including remembering that we are loved by God – can renew our joy. ~ Anne
*with thanks to Rod Chamberlain for help in capturing this moment.
Wayfinding 