“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made by all men.” – 1 Timothy 2:1
Weddings are a beautiful event. The joy of two people who have been developing a relationship based on love, and the hope of a bright future for a new family, are all present in this wonderful event. A wedding happens after a couple meets, dates and become engaged. The engagement itself is an exciting moment! Every time I meet with a couple to prepare for their wedding, I always ask them to tell me how they became engaged. It is a joyful moment, usually involving a person going to their knee and asking the big question.
I recently read about a beautiful, small engagement that became a big event. Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat had been together for over 10 years. They were married after just one year of dating. They were young, with little money, and got married in a very simple ceremony. However, Hector and Nonhlanhla often talked about a big celebration when they could afford to have the celebration of their dreams. Nonhlanhla was surprised when Hector surprised her at one of her favorite places to eat with a beautiful new ring and a re-engagement. He thought 10 years was the right time to celebrate. There in the Kentucky Fried Chicken in South Africa, the couple celebrated their love and with a beautiful re-proposal.
A local journalist was in KFC and witnessed this event. They snapped a picture and put it on social media. Initially, people were crude, making fun of the couple for their engagement at KFC. However, people soon began to celebrate. That is when something special happened. Perhaps it is because so many are tired of a world filled with negativity. First, Kentucky Fried Chicken reached out and offered to help with the wedding, providing some good food. Other companies soon followed. A jewelry store gave them both large, beautiful new rings. Coca-Cola donated drinks for the reception. Kulula donated their honeymoon, with free flights. Audi offered them free use of a car for their trip. And the gifts kept piling up. Within just a few weeks after the proposal at KFC, Nonhlanhla and Hector would be preparing for a wedding fit for royalty. It became a blessing because people chose to celebrate and be thankful, rather than be petty and ridicule.
Each day we have the opportunity to choose. We can choose to find something negative to focus on or be grateful for the beauty we see in front of us. Each day we can focus on the negative, or we can choose to celebrate the small joyful moments we experience. Each day we can choose to make a difference. That difference can deflate the happiness we experience, or it can bring joy and hope to the people around us. Because so many chose to celebrate and to help create greater joy, this couple was able to have the celebration of their dreams. Let’s choose today to be the people who bring hope and love to all the circumstances of our life. We have so much to be thankful for! Let us celebrate and give thanks.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
