Yesterday at 6:30 P.M. I participated in a process that brought balance to the Universe.

While Vestian fragments rich in orthopyroxene hurdle through space, while new stars burst into existence from foaming matter, while galaxies collide and remake their shapes, among all this tumult, I was peacefully standing in front of my son and his beloved.

While Chile was still reeling from its earthquake, while tidal waves were heading for Hawaii, while oceanic crusts continued to subduct the continents and shake the Earth, I was standing firmly and resolutely on unshakable ground instructing the two lovers on the meaning of love and the responsibilities of marriage.

While Palestinian intransigence and irredentism continued to stir in Arab hearts, while ignorance, hatred and fear reigned all over the planet, here in the small, peaceful township of Warren, New Jersey, I quietly joined two hearts and proudly pronounced my son and daughter-in-law Husband and Wife.