Though every physical aspect could not have been more gorgeous, on the day of my wedding I recognized something that was beyond aesthetic charms.  My soon to be husband, Kevin, and I were sitting in the sanctuary looking out at our family and friends and I began to tear up. During the months leading up to this moment, we were in over our heads with all the preparations. Despite knowing the challenges of planning a wedding, once we were engaged we aspired to do most of the work ourselves and have a fabulous DIY celebration. The wedding day approached fast and we soon realized that it would be impossible to accomplish all of our tasks on our own due to the many obligations in our work and all that life brought our way. Never in my life had the idea of beauty become more stressful.

Soon, however, we had the helping hands of our community, a joyful gift that was given to us by those who loved us dearly. Volunteers came to help with every aspect of our wedding, making it beyond what we imagined. In that moment, as Kevin and I looked out at all our family and friends, I recognized something so much more deeply than before. The beauty of this wedding was not in the physical features but in the joyful support of those present with us. They each graciously put in time and talent enabling us to have a truly blessed and ornate wedding celebration. As I sat there holding Kevin’s hand, it was clear to me that we need to make charity a key part of our life as a married couple. This is what makes life so beautiful.

Our Lord’s wonderful plan of bringing us all in communion with Him cannot be done unless each of us serves Him with our unique talents that He bestows to us. Kevin and I entered into communion that sunny summer day with each other through the joyful support of those who were partaking in the body of Christ.