It is an amazing scene, a minister, a man, and a woman stand at the center of their world. With the force of magic and mystery the man and the woman both say the magic incantation, “I do.” It is not magician’s trick - no illusion. It is a moment of transformation.
In an instant, old things pass away. Behold, everything has become new and different. That is what happens when a bride and groom utter those two magic words.
What happens to a man when he speaks these words? Immediately, he becomes a husband. What happens to a woman when she speaks these words? Suddenly, she is a wife.
Saying these two words marks a dividing line in relationship, life, existence itself. Independent life, dating, courtship, aloneness abruptly cease. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, a single married union emerges full of life and hope.
One moment you were free to think only of your own welfare, but the next your own personal interests are subjugated to the interests of your marriage. One moment you could play the field, checkout every girl or guy that walked by; and the next moment you must never glance at another girl or guy in the same way again.
One moment you owned what you owned, and the next moment your partner owns half of everything you own. One moment you are in charge of your life, and the next your partner has a voice in the things you do, the things you say, the choices you make, the work you do, the place you reside, and the life you live. You are not your own. You belong to them.
These two words are indeed magical. Perhaps, they are among the most powerful word ever spoken by man or woman. They change everything. But exactly what do these mysterious words mean? “I do.”
How well does a bride or bridegroom really understand what they are saying or what is going to happen when they speak those two words? Do they grasp the scope of their implied commitments or does the emotional surge of the moment cloud their minds? Exactly, how can a man or woman be ready for this transformation?
The promises contained in the words can be overwhelming. A man promises to change how he thinks, feels, and does in almost everything. He pledges his life to his bride with all his wealth, all his resources, all his strength, and all his values. He actually enters a legal marriage contract that dictates what he can and cannot legally do for the rest of his life.
A man commits himself to sexual purity and faithfulness in which he refuses to even contemplate being with any woman other than his wife.
In speaking these words a man accepts responsibility to give his wife and family the necessities they need including food, shelter, clothing, and emotional supports. This acceptance is a pledge to sacrifice his own needs to meet the needs of his wife considering her desires and needs superior to his own.
To many people the possessions they have are very important to them. Whether be houses, cars, furniture, or money in the bank. These belongings can be very precious. Speaking the words “I do”, however, changes all of that. In that instant, half of all that is owned belongs to their partner. In some cases, people misunderstand. They think when they marry they just add another possession to the collection, but this never works. Marriage only works when each partner gives instead of taking.
The man promises to protect his wife and family from all threats. This implies that he even sacrifice himself to protect his family. He guards his wife and children against the violence of the world and the barrage of subtle attacks that can arise against his home.
A bride pledges herself as well when she speaks those words “I do”. She promises to give herself to her husband physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She accepts as her duty to be faithful and dedicated to true intimacy with her husband alone.
Standing side by side with her husband the wife commits herself to be a mutual partner in life. She is there when all is well, and she is there when storms arise. She honors and respects her husband and joins him to share the challenges and blessings of life. She stands ready at any moment to sacrifice her own desires for the welfare of their marriage and family.
The promises entailed in the words “I do” go far beyond those mentioned her, and they have a way of deepening and expanding with passage of time and experience. Fundamentally, a man and woman pledge themselves to each other exclusively for every facet of their lives physically, emotionally, socially, economically, and every other way. Indeed, these magical words transform two individuals into one completed person for the rest of their lives. To learn more about the commitments and joys of marriage as well as find vast resources on marriage check out Wedding How. Com or see the resource box below.
Wedding How. com gives many free wedding helps including sample wedding vows like Hawaiian Wedding Vows and wedding vows suitable to Renew Wedding Vows. Get your own a copy of the free ebook Dr Ts Top Ten Wedding Vows.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
