A Joyful Yes

Altogether, it was a wonderful occasion. The sun was shining, the breeze warm. There seemed to be joy written on every face gathered there. However, it was with deep regret that the bride left all those she loved to embark upon life as a married woman.

Regret, you ask? Isn't she excited to head away with her new husband? Yes, she is, but these people gathered here are all she has known her whole life. These people raised her, loved her, and guided her. She is truly an example of what being raised in a community is all about. This is safe; this is known. What does her future hold?

Wiping away the tears of sadness and replacing them with a smile of love and joy, she takes the outstretched hand of her loving husband and says "Yes" to the unknown. "Yes" to the world of husband and wife, "Yes" to independence, adventure, and probably trials that will need to be worked through and overcome.

Yes is such a powerful word. Our yes can embark us on an unknown journey, whether it be travel, new employment, a new relationship, or a new town or country in which to live. Our yes is also our word. It is a commitment, a promise, a sense of honour and responsibility. When we give our yes, it is a contract, an abiding confirmation that we are in, boots and all. It can also be an act of obedience, saying yes to something when we are not yet fully sure what we are saying yes to.

So what is our most recent yes? What have we said yes to? Helping out, giving a hand, taking on a new opportunity? May your yes, even without fully knowing what lies ahead, be filled with joyful expectation.