As fathers and grandfathers have done for centuries I do today—I wonder how the years have passed one on one on one.  How a boy peddling bike or making first football team is now a man holding a woman’s hand.  How a girl in princess costume watching “Say Yes To The Dress” now wears one and holds a man’s hand.

If I were fit to judge a pair’s readiness to take step of marriage, I might ask if they are prepared to travel this road, but I claim no jurisdiction nor should anyone.  Though I admit I sometimes wonder why young and old still pursue the practice of linking arms and journeying together when I see Zach and Sarah I understand.

They tease and challenge, they smile and laugh, they support and honor each other earnestly whether sharing kitchen to cook meal or cleaning house or caring for the land on which they now call home. When Sarah feared the unknown with a health issue, I saw Zach comfort her with calm words and gentle tone.  When Zach immersed himself in the noble cause of supporting parasport I saw Sarah lend sincere and caring encouragement.  Further, in my opinion one can tell much about a person in the way they treat God’s wee beasties.  Their love for their K-9 companions, reminds of father and mother’s gentle nurturing of uncertain and at times unrulily children.  And their furry friends respond in kind.

To be sure, there will be cold battering winds that blow at the worst times, and all of us have felt their cutting chill, but I firmly believe Sarah and Zach know to draw closer when they do—knowing that two will always stand stronger than one.

But what I strive to see is that old glass as half full.  Despite the popular view that all is lost on this beautiful blue ball, I will forever cling to a belief there is magic all around us in all shapes and sizes and it is up to us to see it.  It requires no code, no password, no secret knock, but only begs that we start each morning with a longing for the adventure the day will bring—even in the regular routine of living.  And I see magic in this day most of all, the magic that only arises when love dominates, when two join hearts in marriage—the marriage of our amazing children—Zach and Sarah.