Today so happens to be the 15th anniversary of Prince William and Princess Kate, whose wedding may not have received quite the social media fanfare and near-obsession as Harry and Meghan, but hundreds of millions still viewed the 2011 ceremony over the various technological means around the world. One of the most eye-grabbing parts of Westminster Abbey that day was not just the attire of the bride and groom, or the various internationally recognized guests, but the eight 20-foot trees that seemed to dramatically pop on the screen. It was nearly an absolute shock that the supposed most die-hard stick-to-the-script traditionalist monarchs of Britain would allow a near forest to overtake the most cherished sanctuary space for all of England, and yet, it was rather serene and beautiful and inspiring all at once.
It was supposedly meant as a living tribute to the newlyweds’ adoration of the outdoors. And so the sacred space became, in a way, all the more sacred as a woodland sanctuary, of sorts. Oddly enough, the Sunday before was Easter as well, when church buildings around the world are often filled with plant life as a symbolic reminder of the Resurrection with new life and the all-around breath-taking beauty of God’s love for humanity that not even death could contain. Of course, plenty of other connections can be made to such love brought to fruition in marriage, in which such a relationship is meant to help each individual bloom not only for their own well-being and wholeness, but with effects benefiting others around them.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Princess Kate has endured her fair share of struggle and pain with cancer, not to mention how best to navigate her public role while also respecting a need for a private life to best care for herself and her family. Along the way, as she has gradually returned to the public life, she has wonderfully shared the importance that nature has played in her healing and hope; as a reminder that the sanctuary shaped by a Creation-adoring God remains all around us, ripe for the spiritual-taking and enjoying.
So, although this may be a bit redundant following Earth Day last week, sometimes we need reminded that such celebrations and recognitions and honorings amidst our church and all-around public life calendars, cannot end after that respective day. Our respective journeys are meant to be an on-going celebration of God, love, hope, the Creation, and so much more. Yes, there will be dramatic pop-ups along the way that attempt to pull us down, but God will always insist on helping us rise, including through the wonder and beauty and even healing power of the Creation. So, if you have a couple minutes to spare, you’re invited to view Princess Kate’s testimony on the hope we experience with the season of spring, provided by the link below. Yet again, “for the beauty of the earth,” thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Brad