A young pastor was asked to do his first wedding.

He had studied how to do weddings in pastoral care class in seminary, but he had never done one. So he talked to a retired pastor about conducting the wedding ceremony. The older pastor concluded his instruction by advising, “If you ever forget what to say, just quote scripture. Scripture is always appropriate.”

So the big day came and the pastor was as nervous as the bride and groom.

He had rehearsed every detail over and over in his mind, and the ceremony was smooth as glass until he came to the point of pronouncing them husband and wife. But his mind went blank. It was an awkward moment. Then it came to him, “just quote scripture.” So he threw out the first scripture that came to mind: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Maybe it should be more like, “Father, help them, for they'll need all the help they can get.”

Marriage does get interesting, and sometimes complicated. We have the wonderful challenge and opportunity of taking two unique persons from two diverse backgrounds and of blending our lives together as we build a healthy marriage in which God is honored. It's not always easy, but I believe that people can still find fulfillment in marriage as God designed it even in this day and time.

Some children were interviewed about marriage. Maybe there's a word of wisdom in here somewhere for us. The following is a sampling of questions:

How do you decide whom to marry? “You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.” (Alan, age 10). “No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.” (Kirsten, age 10).

What age is the right age to get married? “No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.” (Freddie, age 6).

What do you think your mom and dad have in common? “Both don't want any more kids.” (Lori, age 8).

What do most people do on a date? “On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.” (Mary, age 10).

When is it OK to kiss someone? “When they're rich.” (Pam, age 7). “The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.” (Curt, age 7).

Is it better to be single more married? “It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.” (Anita, age 9).

How would the world be different if people didn't get married? “There would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?” (Kelvin, age 8).

How would you make your marriage work? “Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck.” (Ricky, age 10).

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