Written in the Book

The next defining moment happened during our wedding. There was a part right after the vows when the priest was blessing the rings. I remember everything as if it were yesterday, or one hour ago:

Chris was singing Ubi Caritas, his gorgeous voice ringing out all over the cathedral.

The rings sat on a small gold plate in front of us, and the priest shook holy water on them, which lit up and shone like it was gold itself.

I had a sudden knowledge that this moment had been planned, had been known by God for me entire life and for all time before that; that all the ridiculous back-and-forth of my life had been leading to this moment. I also knew that there was a lot of blessing in our future, even scary blessing that would throw us off balance.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God be in our midst.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

I knew that my whole life had already been written, and oddly, it was a conforting thought. It still is.