Things that Matter

My blog post Small Things mentioned how being around a certain group of people caused me to refocus on the things that matter; this post is an extension of Small Things.  With that in mind, the last seven weeks have provided a visual of one aspect of life that has significant importance, as I have had the opportunity to witness three weddings.  Each was unique in regards to the couples, their stories, the ceremonies, and the locations.  Yet all three had a common, noteworthy thread: love.

There was, of course, the love between the bride and groom.  The admiration each couple had for one another was heartwarming; the look of love in their eyes – memorable.  It was an honor to celebrate with each couple as they joined in a life-long commitment.

There was also love in the room that extended beyond the bride and groom, which was the love of the family and friends who supported the nuptials, whether the support was in person or in well wishes from afar.  Each couple had deep, well-developed relationships that were accentuated by the authentic joy expressed by those closest to them.  It was evident that time and dedication had seasoned the bride and grooms’ relationships with their family and friends. This devotion deeply impacted me and has been a reminder about the importance of cultivating, through love, meaningful relationships with others.

So, as the silly little nothings (see Small Things) try to agitate, or when I begin to focus on tasks, I am reminded that cultivating loving relationships is the foundational aspect of being a well-rounded individual.  Yes, relationships take work, but as I weigh the things that matter most in life, I choose focusing on nurturing positive relationships.

Witnessing the marriage ceremonies and subsequent celebrations reminded me about one of the most important aspects of life, resulting in my regularly revisiting these wise words:

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal…If I gave everything I had to the poor and sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…

Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.