Last Saturday was another one of those special times. 
I seem to have had a few of those over the last few months (see here for a reminder!)

Saturday was another amazing privilege as I blessed the marriage of Zara and Rikard, a beautiful couple who have become great friends over the past 3 years or so. It was a privilege to be involved, and it was special to see so many Rochester friends again (oh how I miss our coffees and beers together!) I love this couple because of who they genuinely are; for their absolute and complete love for each other that does not exclude or make others feel awkward, for their unreserved (some might say geeky) modesty when we come to talk about their creativity, for their values and passions which are focussed on life and loved ones. Most of all I love them because they are simply special friends. 

At the blessing on LV21 (a cool location!) we used the Apache blessing, which I think sums up who they are as individuals, as a couple, as family members and as friends. 

I continue to pray this for them, as I’m sure other friends do too, for today…. and for well into the future:

Now you will feel no rain
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies
But there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both
on the journey ahead,
and through all the years
may happiness be your companion.
Go now to your dwelling place
To enter into the days of your togetherness
And may your days be good, and long, upon the earth.
So …
Be ever
in the embrace of God your Creator
Be ever 
in the embrace of God your Redeemer
Be ever
in the embrace of God your Sustainer
be ever
in the embrace of each other.
Amen. 

God bless you both …. for who you are, and for who you will become …. Amen!