dual personalities

This weekend we attended a very lovely wedding in the hills of Staunton, Virginia. The outdoor wedding at a farm reminded us of our own July nuptials two years ago. Do you prefer a mountain view or a river view?

This wedding had a “summer outdoor cocktail attire – jackets optional.” (Oh, the ways to describe, “We understand that it will be hot, but PLEASE look nice.”) DN carried his jacket throughout the sweltering evening.

I love attending weddings, especially ones that do not treat the ceremony as something to be gotten through. Our friends had written their own ceremony, a secular reflection on their journey and love for one another. It was very them, and I really appreciated how they included the “audience” and managed to get everyone to focus on the present ceremony (read: put their phones away) and focus.

Out of curiosity, I took a look at our wedding program. I remember sitting at the dining room table with my mother and DN, choosing the readings and music. It took some time to figure out which lessons felt appropriate to us, which music felt happy rather than somber, and so on. Would you expect anything less than obsessive consideration from us?

Unless the Lord builds the house,
   those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
   the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
   and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
   for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
   the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
   are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
   who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
   when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

(Psalm 127)