Mara's "I Do" | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Mara's "I Do" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Carrie Brannon
01/11/22
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Mara’s “I Do”

Today was the perfect day for it all to begin; The sun shone warm through the windows; Pristine January snow was seen beyond the panes; many friends and relations had gathered to witness. With this moment having been the central focus for months now, much thought and planning had gone into preparing. Every waking minute had been spent considering the details. Even during unconscious moments, when sleep was heavy upon her, Mara’s dreams of forgotten elements had pressed upon her, effectually keeping the poor girl in a perpetual state of preparation. Rest had eluded her body. She’d lost weight without trying to and had thus been required to re-alter her dress twice. Small previously un-thought of details would come to her in the middle of duties at work leaving her brain so fragmented that little was accomplished on any front. It had seemed at times that the past six months would never end; that her new life would never begin. And yet here she was. The moment was upon her.

As Mara stood before the mirror analyzing her bridal image she wondered, for what must have been at least the thousandth time, “Is he the right one? Am I doing the right thing?” She looked deeply into her soul for the answer to those questions. But really, she knew he was right. That this was right. No one doubted it, least of all she. But when a girl says “yes” the questions will cycle mercilessly round her mind until they are rendered mute by the spoken vows. And it is those vows, so rich with finality, that cause the mantra of questions. Yet, Mara’s answers were as cyclical as the questions; repetitively and persistently “Yes”. With one last glance at herself in all her bridal loveliness she squared her shoulders, gathered up her bouquet of blooms, and stepped into the hall where her 3 maids awaited her.

Bride and maids, all bedecked in satin and flowers so carefully chosen in the preceding months of ‘detailing the day’ and fit for a royal entourage, ascended the steps from the church basement to the foyer above. The guests were assembled. Mara heard notes of music floating on the air from the loft above and she recognized the melody as one of the many she’d carefully considered and finally chosen months before. God’s own detail of sunshine streamed warm and bright through the stained-glass windows of the church. Color and warmth bathed the world here. A surge of genuine joy and peace washed over her and in that moment the months of preparation ceased. She felt her spirit soften and reach towards its maker’s touch. The strong hand of inquisition that had been gripping her soul too tightly for far too long suddenly and completely released her. She breathed and smiled and was awake to everything that was present.

Now as the organ transitioned to processional march Mara suddenly had wings beneath her feet. With her hand firmly tucked into the elbow of her aisle escort and her smile as radiant as the Christmas star, she took the first step towards her groom. Her life before was not being left behind but rather was the firm foundation for all that lay ahead. This moment was seen in the eye of God before time began. She’d been called to be a helpmate and she’d answered the call. Today, with a simple “I do”, she would begin.

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