And the world spins madly on

I'm munching toast and thinking about the bridal shower I'm attending this evening, the third one this summer. Already I've witnessed three weddings. This shower is for a girl who was my partner in crime (almost literally) when we were toddlers, and through most of our early adolescence. Mainly, I'm noticing what a long time ago that was (even the adolescence already!), and also how the exponential increase in marriages these past two years has even touched childhood friendships. The world is turning very fast indeed!

I'm reading a biography of Albert Camus, in which he is quoted with the following: "I want to get married, kill myself, or subscribe to L'Illustration magazine, do something desperate, you know what I mean?"

The occasion for this statement? His wedding to his first wife. He was twenty years old, precocious to boot, and struck with despair over the purposelessness of his life. Ready to do something desperate. In the end Camus chose marriage over suicide, even though he disdained marriage as an imprisonment and was known to counsel his female students to "Never marry, ladies, never marry." Although suffice it to say, young Albert did not choose his wife auspiciously. Simone was a morphine addict and given to all kinds of flamboyant behavior. Additionally, they agreed NOT to be faithful to each other (Ashli scratches her head). Really, their marriage was the act of two defiant young people looking for something outrageous to do.

I've seen a lot of weddings, and I've recently discovered that I tend to be rather cynical. But I grieve over Camus' perspective. Marriage isn't a perfect state, but I've watched many people enter into it knowing this, and knowing that their marriages are for God. A marriage is intended to help individuals know God, among other things. Without this, of course we might consider marriage as Camus did.

But for now, another bridal shower. And they're off...again!

Yours, optimistically, etc.