Marriage
I remember growing up, we always had an Advent wreath, and there was always a ceremony of sorts when, each Sunday evening, a new candle was lit on the wreath. I'm sure there were prayers or readings that went along with the lighting of the candle, but my memory's not of them, it's of the feelings I had watching the progression of those candles being lit.
There was such a sense of 'waiting' - a hush upon the week, a pause in the busy routine of the days, to think on what would happen in a few short weeks. Three candles were purple, and one was rose-pink, to remind of joy in the waiting.... and though it seemed long between each new candle lit, the time passed so quickly, looking back.
And then on Christmas Eve, when we'd return from Midnight Mass, the candles on the wreath were all removed, and replace with ones of purest white, for the promise of the candles had been fulfilled.
In all those weeks and months and years that I spent alone before I met you...were very like those candles standing in the greenery of the wreath, waiting...but for what I did not know. I knew what my wish was, the desire of my heart, but I also knew there was nothing I could do, to make that happen to find that special someone who would fulfill that desire, and make that wish come true.
But all this time of waiting, God was working behind the scenes, He was changing my heart, making it and me brand new - replacing my poor efforts with the completeness of His. He taught me the value of waiting, of learning and coming closer to Him, and over and over He taught me to really cast all my cares on Him.
And as time went by, like the progression of candles lit, I learned anew to trust and step out in faith. I learned to give up anger, resentment and despair, and to replace them with love, encouragement and hope.
At last there came that day, that bright shining day, when into my life there walked my dream come true, and I knew without a doubt that God had brought it about, all the candles of waiting were replace with those of joy, the wonder of this second chance at love.
And ever since that day, I feel like each morning we light anew those four white candles of peace and joy, and our love just keeps getting brighter, like stars come down from above, lights all in an unending circle, you've made me whole and complete with your love.
© 2004
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Trish, You captured the true image of love with this picture, so beautifully painted. One of my favorites! Much love, Rita
I'm with Rita! Love the images you've created with this one! I guess, Trish, that I am in that place right now where I'm desperately trying to get it right -- to "cast ALL my cares on Him." That's a tough one. I trust Him with everything... EVERYthing! Now... if I could bundle up all my cares like I did my childrens toys when they were little, tossing them all at the same time into the toy box, and do the same thing with my cares, I'd be in good, good shape. Gotta keep on reading your writing, my sister, because I'm way passed ready to get on with the show... HOW PATIENT OF ME! NOT!
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