Yesterday, we did things a little differently at church. Instead of having service in the sanctuary and sitting in pews, we all met in the church basement where round tables were set up. The goal was to kick off Lenten season, the theme being "come to the table". This allowed for a more relaxed service, but also the ability to get to know each other better. Our Pastor also reminded us that even without the sanctuary, we are still a church. Because the church is the people.
During the Pastor's message, he asked us to share a few things with those at our table- our name, where we grew up, a food that made us think of "home" or our family, and an example of a time we gathered at a table and something really special was happening before our eyes.
When he first asked us for the example at a table, I wasn't sure what to share. I didn't think I had ever "felt the Kingdom of God" gathered around a table.
But then it came to me.
Our wedding.
Like most weddings, we were gathered at the head table with our bridal party- our siblings and some of our closest friends. And when I looked up from the table, I had the beautiful sight of witnessing everyone I love, gathered in one place.
But that's not even the most beautiful part.
My dad had stage 4 cancer at the time and was in his final phase of life. Earlier that summer, the cancer he had been battling for four years spread further, into his spinal fluid. We weren't sure if he was going to make it to my wedding, but he was determined. He was in the hospital until about an hour before the rehearsal dinner the night before. To me, this has always been one of the most perfect examples of the kind of dad my dad was- he showed up. Always.
On the day of my wedding, he was weak, frail, and in a wheelchair. But he made it. When I looked out into the dining room during our wedding dinner, I kept looking at him...but I also kept looking at all the people who didn't just show up for me, they showed up for him. Despite all the family drama and rifts, people came. It was, and likely will be, the last time we had that many folks from our family all in one place. It was a beautiful expression of love. Beyond what happened at the altar earlier that day.
Everyone in that room witnessed the love that Tom and I shared, but they also witnessed the unconditional love and dedication a dad had to his daughter, and the way my parents were a living example of "in sickness and in health".
The Kingdom of God was certainly present that evening, and I'm just glad I have those memories to hold onto.
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