Love

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Love’ as in… the world needs to be a far better place. It all starts with love.

I’m heading out of town to do a wedding for a young couple I’ve known for several years. We’ve spent the last eight months intentionally walking through nearly every facet of the human relationship, trying to tease out the best life lessons. Becoming students of their relationship and bringing intention to making a good thing even better is a good practice.

That’s been insightful for me, as well, and has got me thinking. Weddings are a lot of fun. But there’s a good chance during the ceremony that guests will face the existential question: “Did I request the chicken, the beef, or the fish? Or did I ask for the vegetarian option?” When one’s stomach begins to growl, it’s a challenge to focus on what’s going on in the actual ceremony.

But wedding celebrations offer far more than just another opportunity to have a party, although they do that well. Wedding ceremonies are far more than simply ceremonies. And guests invited to weddings are far more than spectators.

Consider this when you attend the next wedding. There’s something in it for everyone. For example, if the officiant is challenging a couple to consider “A love of a different kind,” then certainly everyone could benefit from taking a few moments to think about their relationships, what love is, what love does, and how love matters, and how love changes so many things. And what relationship couldn’t use a little reflection?

At the end of the day, what I share with this couple at their wedding, I’m sharing with everyone who comes to cheer them on. If we all spend a few extra minutes thinking about how we love those we love and how we might better love others – even those we have difficulty loving or don’t know yet, the world will be a better place. I’m sure we can agree on this: the world needs to be a far better place. So here’s the heart of my message: It starts with love.

#100days50words

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.