Awesome(adj.)- Inspiring Awe

 I had the privilege of attending two awe inspiring events this weekend. One had a price tag that probably ran into the millions, the other was probably not more than ten thousand (I'm guessing). The first, while a major production, is very unlikely to have any lasting effect on my life, and likewise little on anyone else. The second, however, is all about its lasting effects on two peoples lives and was deeply affecting.

The first was seeing "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, a wonderful show, fun, inspiring, emotionally evocative, and all around great. It pales in comparison to the second, however, which was seeing two of my friends getting married (the first wedding I have ever actually attended. I suppose technically I haven't known Nicole all that long, but she is one of my better friends, Ken I don't know nearly as well, but knowing Nicole has brought us together often enough that we are at least acquainted. I met Nicole freshman year when we both came to the campus theatre to work on shows, and she had been dating Ken since about that time. She is very much a geek girl (if you don't think that is a complement, you probably shouldn't be reading my journal anyway) and a great friend. She's easy to talk to and easy to joke around with. Of course she's also a bona-fide klutz, and somewhat neurotic about her weight. Ken is the strong silent type, at least from my acquaintance with them.
I am not the most devoutly religious person, especially when it comes to the formal rites and services of organized religion. Despite that, upon seeing my friends up there making their vows, I found myself praying for them to be happy in the future. When the preacher asked those assembled to support and nurture their relationship I found myself meaning my assent with all my heart. After seeing this and watching them make that commitment it is hard to understand two things. Firstly it is difficult to believe that I will ever meet someone who matches me so well that I will be willing to take that step with them. Secondly I have trouble understanding how anyone who has made that sort of commitment can undertake a divorce. I guess I understand that a relationship can fall apart, and that the level of feeling can fade, but there is something about that ceremony that seems to me to have a permanent and lasting effect even on those who are merely watching. In this I sincerely believe that the permanence is real, and pray that this is so. Congratulations and Deity bless, Ken and Nicole ..................