I have found myself in some pretty strange situations since marrying the Rev. Today was one of those days. He was asked to bless a boat. Yes, bless a boat. This may seem odd until you compare it to the time he blessed an oil tank.
It was 38 degrees today, and on the river, probably even colder. It certainly felt colder. We toured the boat (a towboat, by the way), wind whipping across our faces, and then participated in a short (thank you, Lord!) ceremony that included the presentation of an American flag, my husband’s blessing and presentation of the boat’s Bible, and smashing a champagne bottle on the mast (I think it was a mast? A stern? Whatever…).
There are many difficult days in ministry, when all of my husband’s energy is zapped by his parishoners, and difficult nights, when we receive late emergency phone calls, but there are also these interesting, unique times when I get a glimpse into the lives of people who are nothing like me. For new experiences, I am thankful.
Had it been July when they decided to christen this boat, I would have been even more thankful. But chapped lips and all, I’m glad to have been by his side today.
