Of course we do love weddings, and even funerals. These celebrations--of love, of life--give us an excuse, a reason to gather as family and friends.
Sometimes we go through spates of nothing but funerals. For a time, it seemed our families--the families into which my husband and I were born--had nothing but funerals. Grandparents died, and then my father-in-law. So in a very short time, we had three family funerals. That's a lot of sadness and grieving. BUT it was also a lot of family gathering and reminiscing.
This summer, we have had two family weddings in two weeks. The first was a Mennonite wedding, the second a Roman Catholic wedding. Quite a difference in setting--one outdoors, the other in a church; in mood--one filled with congregational singing, the other with no congregation singing at all; one simple, the other a bit more ornate. But both were filled with joy. Children reveling in the occasion, the permission to dance all around. Young people laughing, dancing, full of the promise of a future unruffled by life's complications. Middle-aged and senior folks sitting, talking, catching up, watching young people. All filled with the joy of family and friends.
It is tempting to think that weddings are better than funerals, but I don't feel that way. They both provide times for people to gather and celebrate.
CELEBRATE LIFE!
CELEBRATE LOVE!
CELEBRATE LOVE!
8 comments:
I totally agree. Funerals can be a time of closeness and cleansing. I like the way photographs and other items are displayed now, and how friends share anecdotes at the service.
I kept referring to my granddaughter's funeral as her wedding when we were planning it and sometimes I catch myself even now saying the same. It amazed me how quickly a funeral gets put together, with the same feelings of stress and celebration as a wedding.
I guess it largely depends on the funeral. Some die too young and after great difficulty, so their departures may be more sombre. My mother's funeral after a long life and a brief ending was pretty upbeat, however.
I love weddings! my favourite was a combination of families joining French Canadian and Ukranian - talk about food and fun.
Having lost a son I agree with AC. Enjoyed many of your recent comments especially your characterization of your neighborhood in reference to the Zimmerman case. I agreed totally....
A friend of mine grew up in Mennonite country and when her daughter was married, she (the mother) chose to enter to the music of "'Tis A Gift To Be Simple." It was perfect.
I love the bride's gown in that first photo. How refreshing to see one that isn't strapless!
Years ago I attended a Mennonite wedding and I've never forgotten how peaceful and lovely it was.
Thanks for the comment about my ebay find. I asked the vendor if he had anymore written material like that and she said "no, it was in box but not with anything vaguely resembling it." A mystery indeed.
As a minister I always enjoyed doing wedding and sharing a little with a couple at a point of high hope and anticipation . But I thought I grew the most as a person when I conducted a funeral, particularly one of a person I knew in life.
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