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renewing wedding vows after 10yrs

txheat89
New User

Post #1 of 2 (1667 views)

renewing wedding vows after 10yrs

I have a situation where my husband and I were at the brink of a divorce just this past year, but after counseling and many afternoons of long talks we have decided to give it another try. We do love each other very much and now I think we're older and hopefully wiser and believe that we now know the meaning of every vow. If anyone has renewed vows after just 10 years I would appreciate any input as to what kind of ceremony and celebration, if any.

Thanks,

Txheat89

(This post was edited by the_admin on May 12, 2005, 8:16 AM)

RevSusanna
INTERFAITH MINISTER & AUTHOR / Moderator

Post #2 of 2 (1662 views)

Re: [txheat89] renewing after 10yrs [In reply to]

Be sure to read my article on this website, The Who, What, Where and When of Vow Renewals!

Many couples renew their vows after a difficult period. One piece of advice; make it special. Let your vows reflect the new maturity in your love. If you wish, you can read a personal statement to one another just before renewing your vows. This time you will really FEEL the power of those words. Tell your minister what you have gone through, and he or she may have some special words to guide, strengthen and inspire you. You may wish to have close family members bestow personal blessings upon you at the end of your ceremony. A renewal of vows ceremony can be as traditional, personal or creative as you like. Let it reflect the uniqueness that is your love, the specialness of you. Then you will have a ceremony that resonates throughout your married life.

Here is my parting suggestion:

Each of you separately, take up some writing paper and answer these questions.

How do your love your spouse? (Don't hold back.)

What qualities do your most admire in your partner? Elaborate.

What is unique or special about your relationship?

How do your balance one another?

How has your partner made you a better person?

How has your partner improved your life?

Name a time when you felt most loved by your partner.

If there was no tomorrow, what would you want your partner to know?

For what are you most grateful?

What is your prayer and vision for your future life together?

You may use some portion of these responses in your personal statement. In times of hardship, take out these words that you will have written. It will bring you back. I give this questionnaire to many of my couples. It is also featured in my book. So many couples have told me that it has helped them through times of great difficulty. Some read them at every anniversary. Some plan to hand it down to their children.

Where there is great love, there is always a way. I am glad to hear that you are sticking it out, working it through. New love is a work of nature. Old love is a work of art (and nurture). In my opinion, the most romantic thing is someone saying "I will do whatever it takes to make this work. I will go there with you."

Blessings!

Rev. Susanna
Reverend Susanna
Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations : A Practical Guide for Couples

(This post was edited by the_admin on May 12, 2005, 8:19 AM)