Barbie Loflin

I stood by the window and looked out over the field in front of my mother’s house.  Acres of garden now spent and dried, lay stretched before me.  The Blallock’s old farmhouse stood on the hill across the dirt road, a stark white contrast to the deepening shadows of the day.In between the two aged dwellings something wonderful was taking place – something of eternal significance; my cousin was marrying his bride.

I watched as men in overalls and women in gingham dresses made their sojourn across the field, not to an arbor or a lace covered gazebo, but simply to the center of the field… the same field that had grown their crops, fed their families, and resounded with the feet of running children.The tender circle began to form.There was no wedding coordinator to lead the way, or ushers to seat grand ladies, there was simply a gathering.A gathering of good people.

As the country minister made his way to the center of the circle, the father of the groom threw a stone at a barking hound dog, prompting it to head back to its lazy perch upon the worn rug which graced the weathered plank front porch.Then I saw them – the bride and the groom – walking hand in hand toward the gathering.She wore a simple white dress, and he – well, he shone brightly in his dress white uniform; the same he will wear when he leaves for Iraq this week.

As the couple drew near, the circle opened to receive them, then closed once again around them.They were encircled by generations of faithful hearts and strong backs, generous souls with calloused hands.And as I watched, generations bowed to thank their Creator for the blessed bounty of this day.A day without crystal goblets and chandeliers.A day without string quartets and satin slippers.A day when cotton dresses and work boots would stand witness to God’s goodness.

The sun began its descent just as the preacher whispered shyly to the groom – “You can kiss her now.”The soldier bent his head and kissed his pink cheeked bride, holding her close to his heart, as the circle grew quite small.Hands were shaken, backs patted and embraces shared as the couple was absorbed into the hearts of their kin.

Men and women, hand in hand, turned and made their way across the field and down the road to their own dwellings.Life resumed… and the field brought forth life, once again.

I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.

Hosea 2: 19 & 20