“Two are better than one because if either falls, one can help the other up." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9
Emily arrived at the church early.
Soon people would trickle in, find their seats, and ready their hearts for the
simple but faithful ceremony. As she waited near the cross for him to
arrive, Emily absorbed the solitude for reflection.
She was to be married today;
her life was about to change. She dreamt of this day since childhood; a typical
“Knight-in-the-Shining-Armor-on-an-Ivory-Stallion” dream. She saw herself as a
princess, the apple of her parents’ eyes. She pictured herself growing up, as a
young teen, the heartthrob of her high school. Every boy wanted her and every
girl wanted to be like her.
She recalled graduation, now
more independent, her beauty now accentuated with maturity and a dollop of
innocence for good measure. She loved life and she met the love of her life. Their eyes captured the moment they met as if the universe had introduced
two souls already betrothed.
She’d always been a happy
person, a fortunate young human, but this new love broadened her gratefulness
beyond her grandest expectations. Oh, the snowfall wasn’t whiter, the moon wasn’t
larger, and the rain was still annoying. But Emily enjoyed a snowfall ballet
more, she started loving the moon as much as she adored the sun and learned to
cherish a warm summer rain.
Their wedding was to be a
celebration of love - for each other and for all those who came to share it
with them, reaffirming the bond that God had already blessed. A marriage not of
externality - not of family, religion nor finance - yet a bond between two
souls that had a reality only the two of them could see.
Emily smiled remembering his
touch. She thought of him hugging her from behind as she washed dishes in the
kitchen. She remembered grumbling under her breath when he did those little
irritating things. Her life hung on his whispered sweet nothings. She adored
his tickling her, playing games with her, just sitting there with her in total
silence, being near her, following her from room to room. Proud that her
soldier husband had chosen to serve his country courageously.
She was marrying her best
friend – a nuptial so deep and so strong that each would sacrifice for the
other. They enjoyed so many things in common, yet respected enough differences
to keep things interesting, admiring each other with the same sense of awe… and
mystery… and humor… that they’d had while dating.
She remembered all this and she wept… trying to weep it all
out before the others arrived. This was to be her wedding day… this was his
funeral.
Almighty Lord, we lift military spouses in solemn
prayer. Bless them with an abundance of courage and fill them with comfort. Surround
them with community to stave off feelings of loneliness. We pray they will feel
Your presence and be reassured that You are with them. Amen
