June 24, 2009

  • Wedding Reflections

    I recently attended a wedding for two friends of mine.  They were gracious enough to allow me to participate by reading Scripture in the service.  I am not sure if that was the reason why this wedding felt different from previous ones that I have attended.  But, during the ceremony, I felt a sense of awe and wonderment.  Perhaps it was because the homily was well done, or maybe it was because I've reached some arbitrary threshold of maturity.  Regardless, this wedding was different.

    As the pastor put it, we were not merely spectators but all participants in the ceremony.  We were all witnesses and pledged to offer our support for the union of two peoples, families.  Indeed, two is stronger than one.  I guess that is when it hit me.  I mean, I was honored to do the reading as my offering to the couple, but when the congregation in corporate response pledged to support the couple, that was when I felt moved.  Of course there was the exchange of vows, a beautiful moment, and by the tears shed by a number of bridesmaids and congregation members, the pinnacle of the ceremony.  Although I shed no tears, my heart felt strangely warmed in good Methodist fashion.  "Let no one tear asunder whom God has brought together."  Here, in the witness of congregation, the church, and God, I could not help but smile and feel decidedly.....Catholic.  I am Protestant and so marriage is not a Sacrament in the proper sense of the word, but it was definitely sacred.  There was no Eucharist, but there was the presence of God.  I now feel duty-bound to offer my support to the couple if they ever need my help....as any Lawful Good character would ;) .

    The reception was a blast, but I did restrict the amount of EtOH I consumed, which probably was the reason why I refused to dance, until I was convinced I should be having more fun.  The music did get better as the evening progressed, so maybe that aided my willingness to dance.....or not.  Nevertheless, it was an invigorating change from the dinner.  I felt oddly placed....sandwiched between two sets of lawyers.  I tried to hold conversation with these visitors to Chicago, but eventually subject matter ran out, leaving me with not much to say other than a few pips here and there.  At the complete opposite end of the table were the two non-lawyers who's conversation seemed much more interesting, but it would have been rather bombastic of me had I tried to hold any conversation at length during the dinner.  That said, this table seemed to be the only one to inconvience the couple with the power of clanging forks and knives on glasses of water and wine while they tried to eat.  It was really fun though.

    The rest of the evening was filled with more dancing...and more EtOH.  It was highlighted by the fufilled request of "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey (promptly Dled into my Rock Band library the next day) followed by Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.  I was amazed to hear that the DJ could not believe that we liked that kind of music.  Hmmm...Are we really that old?  Anyhow, there was some Young MC and I half expected to hear I Will Survive, but alas, this was not the Replacements soundtrack.  Otherwise, I would have been sure to be on the dance floor.
    I can do a James Brown splits you know.

    All in all, a fantastic wedding.  I really had a good time.  Many thanks to the newlyweds, and I look forward to some pictures from the honeymoon!