~Take my hand and say you’ll follow me~

Raw, unadulterated beauty now adorned.

There is something about Sarah's hand in this picture. There is no pretense or preparation. Just a hand waiting for someone to say, you are my betrothed. With this hand, she will follow him, and he will follow her. The two are committing their lives to each other as represented with a ring. 

On Saturday, my daughter got engaged! I’m so thrilled and excited about what lies ahead. So many emotions and thoughts run through my head. I was up all night thinking about what I was going to say, and I had the most perfect sentiments wrapped up in my head, but I didn’t want to crawl out of my warm bed and make my way to my computer. So, I’ll try to conjure up what whirled through my mind in the wee hours of the morning as I orchestrate this post.

Yesterday I was in one of my John Denver moods. I was singing aloud while raking leaves and enjoying the emotions that his lyrics generate.

Follow me where I go, what I do, who I know

Make it part of you to be a part of me.

Follow me up and down,

All the way and all around,

Take my hand and say you'll follow me.

Deciding to follow someone in the realm of marriage is such a beautiful thing. It’s not just one following the other, it’s both following each other. Sometimes one will lead and the other will follow. Other times the opposite will be true. I look at this relationship as two people who mutually love, respect, and care for the other. When I read the words declared by Sarah, (and Christian too) and review her many posts on Instagram, I feel such comfort in knowing that their love has such depth. The depth that will be necessary to weather life. It fills me with confidence as they prepare to go hand in hand with each passing day.

You see I'd like to share my life with you

And show you things I've seen,

Places that I'm going to

Places where I've been

To have you there beside me

To never be alone

And all the time that you're with me,

We will be at home

Sarah has found someone who fills her with love. But the love has to come from somewhere, and it comes from Christian. He adores her, and his love is expressed in her joy. This bare hand, now beautifully adorned, will be threaded and woven in his as they continue to create a life together as one.

Follow me where I go, what I do, who I know

Make it part of you to be a part of me.

Follow me up and down,

All the way...

Take my hand and I will follow you.

At the opening of the song, a question is asked to ‘follow me’. As the song concludes, the words are, I will follow you. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? It is, and it’s such a beautiful thing!

Congratulations, Sarah and Christian!

***Sarah’s beautiful engagement ring was created by Kate Reboli***