My daughter got married this weekend. It was a beautiful wedding that has left me feeling both complete and exhausted. This morning, in the aftermath of such a joyful event, I am reminded of a passage that I read not long after she was born. It is from the book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran
Your children come through you but not from you. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday…You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are set forth. Let the bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness.
My arrow has launched. And it is by way of deep love and commitment that offers the arrow a steady arch. We can never give too much of ourselves in this regard—for the love and commitment we give to our children enables them to share their hearts with another. What an honor to witness such a beautiful union.
Wishing the new bride and groom a very happy life.