beautiful not only because of what it was, but mostly because of what it was not.

After the celebration, we shared in a potluck meal provided mostly by local guest, including a LOT of tamales made by one of Sarah’s coworkers. It was an amazing feast, followed by a variety of ice cream choices.  It reminded me of the wedding feast at the end of time Jesus once described. It was once again a “gulp” of God’s kingdom, or in this case, a “mouthful”.

The beautiful week and special day ended with a time for “open mic”. Everyone was invited to perform a song, give a toast, read a poem, or tell a story.

One couple sung a beautiful lullaby with affirming words to remember.

Several of Sarah & Ali’s students sung solos. 

Ali’s high school friend shared ways in which Ali influenced her life in school and out of school.

My wife, Lori, shared one of her favorite stories about Sarah’s childhood creativity.

Ahmed graced us with a song on his trombone.

 One of the highlights for me was two young neighborhood children who were excited to beat their drums. We all joined in by clapping to the beat.

Lori described the wedding:

It was beautiful not only because of what it was, but mostly because of what it was not.

It was not traditional songs highlighting modern society and its view of love, it was drums played by children, trombones played by youth, and songs sung by students.

It was not dress lifting up formality, proclaiming one’s success in the world, it was simple distinction of who was being celebrated and comfort for everyone else.

It was not competition to see who could dance the longest, drink the most, or look the most breathtaking; it was simplicity, sincerity, and complexity at its best.

It was not a ceremony repeating promises that have been easily broken through the ages; it was expressions of promises challenging to keep, spoken with determination to do so.

It was not filled with justifications for who anyone had become; but filled with acceptance of who everyone was.

It was not your typical marriage ceremony where the minister’s presence was highlighted; it was a celebration highlighting community, inclusivity, and the presence of God.

It was beautiful not only because of what it was, but mostly because of what it was not.

I thank God for our daughter, Sarah, and our new daughter-in-law, Ali, who shared their beautiful community with us. I thank God for Sarah and Ali making a space for us all to experience ‘a big “gulp” of God’s kingdom.’