Sunday, April 10, 2005

I would never have imagined. . . .

. . .How much joy my wedding ministry has given me.

Only in the last few years have I stepped fully into this, with yellow page advertising, now witnessing some 40-50 weddings each year. These are unchurched couples, seeking a spiritual experience from a minister who does not ask, as do most, some $400.00 for the use of his church and a diverse set of other rules before his reverence will participate.

Yesterday was my first Spring wedding of the year outside, on a beautiful afternoon, joining a melded family of six, with bride and groom each having two daughters, in our new wedding garden. Much joy for all, and particularly for me in being part of such a happy and landmark event for that new family.

I am a Ponderer, both by nature and by training as a psychologist, an Intuitive Perceptive Extraverted and Feeling (MBTI) kind of person. I just ponder and tend to ponder over most everything, particularly the mysteries of being human, of life and of love.

What I ponder most these days is about love, human love as the symbol, metaphor, icon of God’s love for us: the wonder, joy, mystery, awesomeness of it. Human love is the most amazing grace of all.

This love is not only sacred and holy in itself, but also what it beckons us toward, an increasing giving of ourselves into being with, utterly with, in unconditional loving, another human person, a surrender of our ego and self-considerations. Wow!

And I never seem to cease feeling a new Wow, every time I am privileged to witness another wedding. What an incredible blessing to live one’s life from one Wow to another, weekly, and even daily in responding to the joys of grandkids growth and development, latest words and new tricks, and sharing these with your partner in life.

This year I am also teaching more at Midway College, 15 miles from Lexington. Not only Business Communication, but Social Ethics, World Religions, Philosopy of Religion, and Training and Development, a new Human Resource Management course from a new core curriculum that I helped to develop last year. I am fortunate to have friends and colleagues to share this teaching challenges, as guest speakers, collaborators, team teaching, etc.

My four year old grandson: (quote) I am worried about Poppy. Mimi is old, but Poppy is very old and he is going to die.(unquote) Not yet. Today, April 10, I am once more full of humility and gratitude and joy as I approach my 76th b-day in July. Thank you, Lord, for this incredible life you have given me.

Paschal : Namaste!
Since Love is Lord of Heaven and Earth,
How can we keep from singing? (hymn)

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