Thought for the Week

There are certain moments which enchant us in our lives and which we know will become indelible memories.

A family wedding on Saturday, on the beach at Crear, presented several: the bride walking down the beach with her father, as the sound of the pipes drifted across a wind-tossed sea; a toddler at the edge of the ocean in her wellies; tears wiped away as vows were exchanged; rose petals thrown as tokens of love over the happy newlyweds; the sun catching the bubbles in glasses raised in the toasts; the spin of tartan as kilts took on a life of their own at the ceilidh – and so much more.

Then there was a moment at the very end when we gathered in a circle as Runrig brought the day to an end with the familiar strains of Loch Lomond.

It began as a small group and then outstretched hands welcomed everyone to come into the circle.

Each, in turn, invited someone else into the circle until it bulged at the edges.

Everyone was on the floor and laughter and tears became one.

The bride and groom in the centre knew they were literally surrounded with love.

Hands were joined as friends and strangers became one, with a single common reason of being together – simply to celebrate love.

If only we could do this more often than just when at a wedding.

It is so easy, and no one is likely to reject the offer of love.

So at such happy times and all times, may God circle you with his unending love, which is often shown through others in the circle.

And may your circle bulge at the edges.