Twelve Hours in Ministry--Two Lessons in Marriage

Yesterday afternoon, I led a beautiful bride and her handsome groom through the vows and promises that began their life together. It was a simple ceremony but filled with the holy--God's gift of the marriage covenant was being entered into once again by two of his children. The bride and groom were almost emphatic in their recitation of their vows. Their smiles and whispered words at the unity candle were evidence of their joy. They have many hopes and dreams, and while they cannot know all the challenges they will face, they are excited to face them together, and to embark on all that God's plan for them contains. Their lives are full of promise. Congratulations, Kenny and Nikki.

Last night, I led a wife of over 60 years to the hospital bedside of her husband where she struggled to reach his cheek for a final kiss. Unconscious, his occasional twitches were the evidence of the severe brain injury he had suffered that is going to take his life in the next few hours. Barring divine intervention, he will not awake on this earth again. His wife said quietly to us, "What will I do without him?" Partners in a life that knew all the expected joys and sorrows, endured separation during a world war, involved hard work for both, and raised three sons and has seen grand- and great grand children; his impending departure at 89 was still unexpected. But she could still say with a twinkle in her eye, "He was sure a pretty good man to me." Their lives are a promise fulfilled. Well done, Karl and Lois.