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Caption: The young left hands of Nathaniel and Jodi Marsh on their wedding day, 29^th May 2004.

During my 20+ years working in media, I filmed all sorts of things. Much of my team’s film and TV production work was geared towards marketing and advertising, but every now and then, we filmed and edited weddings.

Some media production professionals roll their eyes when you say the words ‘wedding videos’. Weeks on end editing footage of wedding speeches and seemingly endless dancing at receptions will tire even the most patient of video editors.

The wedding shoot days were long, and you had to be on your game as a cameraman (there’s rarely a chance for second takes), but I considered it an honour to capture a couple’s big day.

Sometimes during heartfelt wedding vows, or especially during a father and daughter dance (those get me every time!), I would find myself tearing up behind the camera. I’d have to pull myself together, or I’d miss the next shot!

During the wedding service, couples would often have a family member or close friend present a Bible reading or poem. I’m a Bible verse guy (1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4 are outstanding), but sometimes couples would opt for a reading called ‘Blessing of the Hands’. Check out the video or read it below:

Blessing of the Hands

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Beautiful words indeed.

Last weekend, on 29 November 2025, my beautiful wife Jodi and I notched up 21.5 years of marriage. Marrying my wife was one of the best decisions I ever made, and our memorable marriage day on 29 May 2004 is still, hands down, the best day of my life.

My marvellous parents, Dads4Kids founders Warwick and Alison Marsh, also celebrated an impressive 50 years married on 29 November 2025. Jodi and I have many years ahead of us to reach the big 5-0, but we’re well on our way, and Dad and Mum’s amazing example should be an inspiration to all of us.

These days, our hands are a little wrinkled and aged. There are even a few scars, but I still reach for her hands, and she still reaches for mine. We still give each other the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch, and for that I am so thankful.

Lovework

The Christmas season is upon us, and for many, it can be a frantic, busy time of year. I pray you’re able to slow down and take some time to remember the reason for the season. If you’re able, take the time to reach for the hands of your loved ones. Some shared strength and unspoken tenderness are things we could all do with more of.

Yours for holding hands,
Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. Speaking of Christmas, Dads4Kids friend James Campbell, Dusty Boot Books author and illustrator, has released a new children’s book: Buckster Bull and The Big Sorghum Mess. It’s a brilliant, rollicking farm adventure with a powerful life lesson. If you need some Christmas gift ideas for children, check out James’ excellent Kids’ Books From The Country.

For more mature family, friends, or colleagues, I wrote last week about Dads4Kids friend David Maywald’s excellent new book, The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does it Ever End? Books make great Christmas gifts, and congratulations to both James and David on their wonderful work – please support them if you can!

P.P.S. THANK YOU to everyone who donated to Dads4Kids on Giving Tuesday and those who support us on a regular basis. We are so thankful for donors who partner with us to build men, grow fathers, and change generations.

If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and would like to support our vision of helping Aussie dads be the best they can be for their children, please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids.