A Silent Wedding Witness
While family and friends looked on, my son married the love of his life under this 100-year-old maple tree last weekend. No doubt, the old tree has witnessed hundreds of beginnings. Season after season, couples make promises and share smiles beneath her green-draped arms while she stands in silent witness.
Weathering Storms
Even on that beautiful wedding day, the tree and I share an understanding about dark days when the sky pours rain and strong winds threaten to break us. I recall a storm that threatened to blow my husband and I down in 1997, the year my son was born. That crisis nearly uprooted my faith.
During another storm in our lives, our marriage nearly split in two.
I imagine that the tree and I share a knowing look, an understanding that storms are a part of life and love.
A Beautiful Beginning
Then, the white chairs fill with guests. Late afternoon sun filters through the leaves as they flutter in a gentle breeze, soft shade over the couple.
To those who stand in the shade of that old tree, I imagine that she whispers, “Carry the beauty of today with you. The promises. The smiles. Your love. Let it light your path and lead you out of dark days.”
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Maya Angelou
The Blessing
To Ben and Abby,
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
About Jayne
Jayne Walters writes and speaks from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she lives with her husband, Dave, and her beloved dog, Bear. She has written two short devotional works for busy women: Led, learning to hear and follow the Good Shepherd and Surrendered, learning to rest and live in the True Vine, Jesus. Here’s more from Jayne’s blog:
- The Beauty of Beginnings
- The Best Gift You Can Give Your Children in 2020
- What Does “Staying in Love” Mean?
- Are You a Spiritual Infant or Adult?
- A Wedding & A New Season
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