For Aaron & Beckie's California Ceremony

With Courage...

With courage we leap into the arms of our beloved.
Upon our backs? A knapsack filled with hopes and dreams.

We love imperfectly, yes, but how can it be otherwise?
Bringing to one another every particle of ourselves,
with courage, we allow. Becoming open and vulnerable,
yet desirous of protection, hand in hand, we meld
all we have been, with all we hope to be.

Each day, each moment becomes a rehearsal for the next,
as we laugh, weep and strive together with courage.
Life opens before us, resplendent with intricate patterns,
sometimes embraced with joy, sometimes avoided with trembling.

With courage, we give to each other all that we are
and all that we have. No longer alone, we gaze as one on the
Author of our love. In triune harmony, stepping out,
we run, we walk, we cower, we love, we cry, we comfort
and encourage. We say, yes, with courage, until parted by death.