1. Come, let us celebrate today
love that these two have shown so surely:
cherished flower, weathered stone,
caretaker thorough, caregiver truthful.
God cares for such a family.
2. Come, let us celebrate today
love that these two have shown so truly:
words and feasts so well-prepared,
caregiver gracious, caretaker thoughtful.
God commends such a family.
3. Come, let us celebrate today
love that these two have shown so dearly:
ever open to receive,
caretaker patient, caregiver hopeful.
God blesses such a family.
4. Come, let us celebrate today
love that these two have shown so clearly:
kindness spoken, rightness done,
caregiver gentle, caretaker joyful.
God nurtures such a family.
5. Come, let us celebrate today
love that these two have shown so purely:
mission far and near alike,
caretaker peaceful, caregiver faithful.
God works through such a family.
- words and music © Bradley P Lehman, 1995 (after I Cor 13)
(Written originally for the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of my mother's uncle and aunt, Simon and Dorothy Gingerich, and inspired by their life together. My wife and I later included it as a congregational hymn in our own wedding, as well.)
A key idea intended here: each partner in a marriage is a caregiver and a caretaker.
Hear the music for this hymn: GRACEFUL 8.9.7.5.5.7.