I sat and watched a wedding from my office window this weekend. It was not a large wedding with tons of decorations, people, or flowers, but rather very quaint and intimate with just a small group of witnesses and the bridal party. Slowly the wedding party marched together and joined the groom at the front. Then he waited, his eyes focused toward the distance looking intently for his bride. I started to get nervous for this groom…. where is the bride? But….he waited patiently, he waited peacefully….he waited and waited.
Then finally she came out and came forth and stood at the end of the aisle. I could almost feel the energy that was connecting them. It was truly indeed a beautiful moment, when I saw him exhale and smile one of the biggest loving smiles I could ever long to see for myself. Before she moved a long wispy curl fell down and a lady rushed right to her side and pinned it up. Now…..she is ready!
As I watched this bride, take each careful step toward her groom, toward her good morning, toward her goodnight, toward her I love you, toward her forever earthly love – I pondered…….
I sat there and watched this union solidify before God and man. I continued to watch as they walked arm and arm after the ceremony across a windswept field so close and in tune with one another… and I began to hum the song that Dan Fogelberg sang so beautifully called, Make Love Stay.
How will they make love stay? Will he always be so patient in waiting for her as he did today? Will the corners of his mouth turn up to the smile that he smiled when he first saw his bride at the end of the aisle? Will she always take the time to look her best for him….pinning up that fallen strand?
If we could capture every moment, thought, feelings… if we could bottle the love and hope for forever that is expressed and felt on the wedding day…there would be no question on how to make love stay. Since there is no bottle labeled “Wedding Day”, then marriage will hopefully be a masterful journey of love, evolving love, forgiveness, hope, understanding, joy, memories, support…..now that is how you make love stay.
Make Love Stay Lyrics by Dane Fogelberg:
Now that we love
Now that the lonely nights are over
How do we make love stay?
Now that we know
The fire can burn bright or merely smolder
How do we keep it from dying away?