One observation was the fact was that two very strong families had actually come together for the first time. The path to a successful outcome in terms of relational dynamics was no mean feat. We were aware that both sides of the family had unspoken issues amongst themselves let alone the potential minefield there must have been in their coming together.
It's a credit to all who attended that grace was extended to each other and there was tolerance on all sides. Rifts and offenses were apparently laid aside and people began to speak with relatives they previously hadn't communicated with in years.
The marriage ceremony itself had included the reading of a modern passage from the ancient book.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end
The young boy who did the reading confessed later that he had felt tearful as he read. I'd like to think that something of the essence of the truth of love from the good book had permeated the gathering that day and love became unfolded in all our hearts.
It could have gone either way...... with two strong tribes there could have been jealousies, grievances and any number of offenses taken but the power of love conquered and the two tribes gloriously united to celebrate the joining of a young couple in Holy matrimony.
