Next month, my husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary, nearly half of our lives. I've been thinking a lot about commitment and our wedding vows, remembering our journey and contemplating the future. Here are some of the words put to paper and shared at our wedding ceremony:
"The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson, modified by us
A good marriage must be created
In marriage the little things are the big things
It is never being too old to hold hands
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day
It is never going to sleep angry
It is not taking the other for granted
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives
It is standing together and facing the world
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful
It is not only marrying the right person, it is being the right partner
Vows to my new husband:
Sean,
You make me laugh.
You let me cry.
You are my greatest ally and best friend.
I have discovered myself in the comfort of your love.
I know the you that no one else gets to.
I admire your passion,
Appreciate your deep sense of loyalty,
Am refreshed by your wit,
And am relieved that, fundamentally, we value the same things.
I promise to nurture your dreams and help shoulder your challenges.
I promise to love you,
Comfort and encourage you,
And be open and honest with you.
I know that together we can face any challenge that life may bring.
I make this commitment to you today simply because
. . . I can't live without you!
So take this ring as a symbol of my love and unending devotion.
