It is a joy to be here on one of the hottest days of the year, where we could cook an egg on the sidewalk, to celebrate this incredible couple. I have titled this little homily "Running the Race of Love: A Journey Full of Laughter, Health, and Happily Ever After." As you all know Aaron and Morgan are very active and almost any weekend of the year you can find one of them running some kind of race or marathon. ‘Am I wrong? Now, as we think about the journey ahead for this running duo, I hope they will find moments to be spontaneous and that will bring them closer together and make fond memories. Speaking of being spontaneous, I am reminded of Forrest Gump, a man who one day found himself running with no plan. For those not familiar, ahahm Andrea, find me somewhere in the shade! After his 3-year cross-country adventure, when asked how it all started, he said "That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run." And run he did. Much like Forrest, our couple has decided to embark on their own journey running the race of love, hand in hand. They took their time to get here, 7 years of dating, but in race language, that is called pacing. Whether they are running marathons, road tripping around, chasing their two dogs, or finding new challenges, they are always on the move with one another.

Marriage, like staying physically fit and healthy, requires commitment and effort. Just as you would not skip your daily run, you should not miss the moments that strengthen your bond and celebrate your successes.

In one of my favorite songs by Lee Brice called Love Like Crazy, he offers good advice for all of us, "Be a best friend, tell the truth, overuse I love you, go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense, never let your praying knees get lazy, and love like crazy. As you are out there tackling new adventures, and being your best together, remember to also keep your sense of humor in good working order.

As we gather here in this sun-kissed venue overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, remember “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.” There will be floods and droughts, surprises, sweet moments, and even a few challenges. But with your love for each other, and commitment to running this race together, you can make every moment a sweet surprise. Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and most of all, happily ever after!