Celebrating Love

Good Morning
My husband and I have just celebrated our Wedding Anniversary. And this year, for the first time, I was invited to a friend's Pagan hand fasting ceremony. This I understand is one of the most ancient of marriage traditions. Now as a Jew, I’m more used to traditional Synagogue weddings beneath a canopy (a chuppah). They’re sincere and beautiful too, yet I found this day entrancing in its simplicity. Taking place in a stone circle, the couple exchanged vows and bracelets of wild flowers, surrounded by their smiling and informally dressed friends. Some were ‘skyclad’ as were the couple themselves. The term ‘skyclad’ means ‘wearing only the sky’ and refers to simple human nakedness. A binding of their left hands, by the celebrant, symbolised their loving commitment to each other. Barefoot, the happy young couple then progressed the circle, united as one; sharing food and drink with their smiling friends.
I am used to formulaic speeches, hats, shoes, dresses, cakes and elaborate, expensive preparations. Here there were none, just togetherness in a meadow of wild flowers and grasses. The happy pair were in love and we showed our regard for them by simply being there in celebration. In modern society, we tend to complicate things which are essentially simple. We miss the important basics amidst myriad details. Here was a lesson in understanding what is essential to us all; someone else’s wholehearted love.

Lord, who brought us into this world, innocent and naked; help us to appreciate the simple gift of true unselfish love, freely given, with its incalculable value. Encourage us to return that love in like fashion with all our heart and without agendas or expectations.
Amen