Wedding passages

I think I've mentioned that I've been designated a reader at Katherine's wedding next weekend. Apparently I did so well last summer at not crying during Ben and Marguerite's wedding, where she had me read a Robert Frost poem, that I graduated to reading Biblical passages this year.

They certainly are not the usual ones: Ruth ("...whither thou goest...") and Corinthians ("...love is patient, love is kind..."). In fact, only one is "officially" religious. I've been reading them all evening, trying to get the emphases right, and trying not to sniffle during the mushy parts. This is going to be tough, especially if I catch anyone's eye....

For what it's worth, I think they are perfect readings. And like good wedding readings, they whack the attendees upside the head, reminding those of us who are married WHY WE GOT MARRIED in the first place!

1. "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." [Colossians 3:12-17] {I just realized that last year's wedding included these verses, but I'm not sure this year's bride remembers that....}



2. "Our wish for both of you today is that your marriage will bring much happiness and joy to each of you. Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens; a good marriage must be created. And it is created in the following ways:
   
   • It is never being too old to hold hands.
   • It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
   • It is at no time taking the other for granted.
   • It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
   • It is standing together facing life.
   • It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
   • It is doing things for each other not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
   • It is speaking words of appreciation , and demonstrating gratitude.
   • It is not looking for perfection in each other.
   • It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.
   • It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
   • It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
   • It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
   • It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
   • It is establishing a relationship in which independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. " [Bill Swetmon]

See what I mean?
WHACK!!!!