The Marriage of Douglas and Alana

The Marriage of Douglas and Alana
May 26, 2018, The Signal Tree
Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7
Psalm 67
1 John 4:7-16
Matthew 5:13-16

Alana and Doug asked me to include a particular Robert Fulghum quote somewhere in the service, and since I know a good quote when I read one, I am happy to oblige:

"We're a little weird. And life is a little weird and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness- and call it love - true love."

And speaking of weird, how about this tree, huh?

I don’t know how many of you know anything about the Signal Tree we have gathered under.  If you read the plaque in front of it, you get the sense that it was some kind of navigation marker for Native Americans.  But others say it might have been used as a ceremonial place.  Some say it was trained to grow like this, and others say it could just be a freak of nature.  But no matter the reason it is shaped like it is, the one thing you can’t mistake is that it suggests that we are welcome, with its arms spreading out to embrace us this afternoon.

And for us, today, this Signal Tree signals something else: The place where two young people have decided to bind themselves together—against the odds—to promise to live with and for one another until the day they die.

Now THAT is something worth marking.  It is worth remembering, because it is worth noticing that people are still willing to hold hands and take a leap of faith into the unknown.  And as those of us who are married know, it truly is a leap into the unknown, like it or not.

These two make their promises in good faith, trusting one another.  And you have all gathered here as witnesses and cheerleaders, to help them along the way.  Cheering at times when they need it, consoling and comforting in the times they need that.  Sometimes, things work out exactly as we planned, sometimes not so much.  And sometimes even better.  And so please remember, that having your support will make a difference for these two.

It is fitting that Alana and Douglas have chosen to be married in front of the Signal Tree, because they are sending a signal to the world.  As we just heard Jesus say, You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Douglas, Alana: You are the light of the world.  Because love is the light of the world.  You are proclaiming love, and commitment, and hope to all the world on this day.  Sending a signal as clear as this tree.  And along with everyone who has gathered with you today, I implore you to let your light shine, and give light to all the house.  We need that light in our world.  Today, we celebrate the light of your love.  May it burn the brightest of all!

Amen.