Reasons why you become a minister

Today was one of those reasons...I officiated a wedding today, Wed., Jan. 30, at 4 pm in the Sanctuary of First Church. Only four people were there...the bride, the groom and their 2 adult sons. The couple married in 1966 and were married for 26 years until they divorced. They stayed connected, sharing holidays and family events. They came to the decision that they wanted to remarry and share their lives together. So why today? It's the anniversary of their wedding and they didn't want to have to remember a second date! At the conclusion of today's service, they both said that today meant so much more than that original date ever meant. It reminds me of what a mentor of mine said to me....it is only when couples return, 20, 30 or 40 years after their wedding, when they have shared their joys, carried their burdens, watched their wrinkles form...it is only then that they shall know what love is.

They asked me to read a beautiful passage from the Book of Tobit, found in the Apocrypha of the Bible. I share it with you because it is such a beautiful image. (Tobit 8:5-9)

"Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, 'Get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.' So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, "Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed is your name in all generations forever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever. You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the human race has sprung. You said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make a helper for him like himself.' I now am taking this kinswoman of mine, not because of
lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy and that we may
grow old together." And they both said, "Amen, Amen." Then they went to sleep for the night."