The Merging of Values

The whole point of any of this, of remembering history, good and bad, of writing about events and milestones, attitudes and philosophies, is basically one thing over all others.  It is to create a continuation of our world and of our values.  This past weekend as two groups of family and friends celebrated the union of two special people, something even more special occurred; the merging of values.

I know my family well.  I know how they think and I know what is important to them.  I also know their personalities and idiosyncrasies, of which I myself have plenty.  So when my nephew Justin found his bride Kim, as a loving and opinionated Uncle I naturally took it upon myself to form an opinion of which I was and still am more than happy to share.

I am like most people who love both Justin and Kim for the wonderful caring people that they are.  That does not separate me in any way nor do I look for it to do so.  Just watching how much they love each other is enough to be thrilled over this union.  But what I was able to learn in getting to know Kim’s family and friends was something far more significant in the big picture than even the beauty the bride and groom shared.  What I learned was that the two families share the same core values.

Even when people are from the same country, in this case the majority in both families is American, and have the same religion, the majority being Jewish, it is still very feasible that lifestyles will be different.  My personal philosophy has always been that there is no right and wrong in lifestyle choice.   People have every right to live how they want to live and I don’t believe that it is the responsibility of man to make that judgment.  What I do believe is important however, are the comparable values people live by, values that often transcend nationality and religion.   Of all the things to bring me joy from this wedding, maybe the most significant was watching two families, families with the values of love and respect for friends and family, as well as a love and appreciation for all the good things given to them, became connected in what can only be termed, holy matrimony.

None of us may be able to save the world, but when so many people unite under the terms of such love and joy, a small world grows into something more special and important to all those who come in contact with it in all walks of life.  I for one am grateful to be fortunate to be part of something so special.  Continuation of our world.