Some months ago, Borrowed and Blue hosted an opportunity to vote for our favorite vendor in our County. It was a daunting task. There were so many vendors I knew and loved, how was I going to choose just one out of every category. I wanted to choose them all!

Finally the votes were tallied and the result were in. When it was announced to me I was voted one of the top officiants in Santa Barbara by my peers, I fell out of my chair! I was overtaken with emotion. It was electrifying, humbling, a relief, my gratitude soaring along with a giddy feeling of excitement, and most of all, a profound appreciation for my peers and the beautiful work I am called to do.

Recognition like this comes infrequently in life, with so many of us living our daily lives being critical of and hard on ourselves and going about our work to the best of our ability. This award had me stop my critical behavior abruptly. It made me realize the enormous responsibility I have to be true to the gifts I have been given, to honor them and nurture them because these gifts aren’t about me. They are about you—about the incredibly beautiful truth of who you are and the importance of your union, your marriage, it’s life and contribution on earth.

It staggers me to think of the scope of this work as a minister, officiant, celebrant, conduit and vessel for your love. It’s so much greater than we realize, that when I have moments of seeing it more clearly, the emotions I experience are the same as receiving an award like I was granted. It’s exhilarating and humbling, something I can never take for granted.