I had the privilege to go to two great celebrations over the weekend in Kona. Both were well attended by friends, family and out of town guests. Old friends reconnected, hugs and tears were exchanged freely and love was the predominant feeling as the sun set over the horizon. The food was delicious and abundant and nary a hungry soul was found. A steady stream of professional musicians and hula dancers graced the stages, putting the final touches on a beautiful evening.
Looking at the two celebrations, it would be very difficult to tell which one was a wedding and which one was a tribute to a life well spent. Outside of the words spoken by those who officiated the proceedings, there wasn't much difference in the how people chose to celebrate. But the difference between a wedding and a celebration of life is where people find their joy.
At a wedding, there is joy and anticipation for the future. Though the couple's past helped to bring them to this point, the exchange of vows signals a new beginning, free from the challenges that may have caused them pain earlier in their lives. When a newly married couple looks ahead together, there is only happiness and joy.
At the a celebration of life, it's exactly the opposite, there is joy in the past, in a life well lived. The memories of good times and touching moments bring value and meaning to a life that's always gone too soon. When a person leaves this world, we tend to look back on their lives with only happiness and joy. The pain comes when we look to a future that will never arrive. No more laughing together, no more hugs, no more things to look forward to.
The common thread of both of these celebrations was the expression of love. We give our love to a new couple through our hope for them. We give love to person who has passed by holding our memory of them. The energy of our love is so powerful it can inspire a new marriage to great heights or hold the memory of a loved one through eternity.
Love really is eternal and we give it that power when we show up and express it.
Wow! What a wonderful post! That really does put things into a wonderful and loving perspective, Benson.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, this got by me. Today it is so relevant so I know I found it for a reason.
ReplyDeleteBeing the 23rd of the month, I tend to reflect on the time between the 22nd to the 27th. That's the time period when Rick went into the hospital and didn't come home.
My sons questioned me regarding Rick's Celebration of Life but I told them it's not just a cultural thing to do, it's for all of us to acknowledge that we all knew and loved him. It's an expression of love and support for each other. The celebration was held the following week and some folks either didn't know or couldn't be there. At any rate, those who showed up, demonstrated the power behind that expression of love.
Mahalo, Benny. May Akua always guide you and give you peace!