We here today know the promises you make to another are promises of commitment and devotion. Your commitments to each other are not only for a lifetime partner. They are commitments of a companion and friend as well, a friend with whom you will share your hopes, dreams, ambitions, successes, and yes, sometimes your disappointments and sorrows that are all a part of life.
This sharing is not at the expense of each partner's individuality; rather, the uniqueness of each marriage partner is enhanced by the strength of the common bond. Marriage is a celebration of love. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman. A marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow.
Will you now face each other, and hold hands?
To you, Roger, and to you, Kaye, I would say happiness in marriage doesn't just happen. A good marriage must be created, nurtured, and worked at. In marriage, little things are big things. Marriage is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, "I love you" It is not taking each other for granted. It's a hug sent over the phone lines when you're apart. The courtship shouldn't end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years together. A solid marriage is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; it is you two standing together facing the world and all it offers. It is also forming a circle of love around you that gathers in family and friends. Marriage is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in a spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It's a continuously open dialog. There are also things marriage is not. For example, it is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. Nor is marriage a winner take all argument. It is sharing in all things. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. Marriage certainly is finding room for things of the spirit. It is a search for the good and beautiful as well as the meaningful. It is establishing a relationship in which; the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligations are reciprocal. Perhaps most important, marriage is not simply marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner.
Today's celebration is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which religious societies may consecrate, states may legalize, but which neither can create nor annul. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by abiding will, and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. In this spirit these two persons stand before us and we are gathered here merely to acknowledge the true marriage which already dwells within them.
Roger do you promise to encourage Kaye, to stand by her side. To share laughter during the good times and stand strong through the bad. To dry her tears when necessary and offer a kind word when needed. To share all you have to offer. Do you come with love and without reservation to join together with this woman in marriage?
Kaye do you promise to encourage Roger, to stand by his side. To share laughter during the good times and stand strong through the bad. To offer a kind word when needed. To share all you have to offer. Do you come with love and without reservation to join together with this man in marriage?
These rings symbolize your union. An unbroken circle of love to be worn all the days so long as you both shall love. May the spirit of love bless these rings and may they be a true symbol of the love of the one who gives it, and the one who wears it.
Roger, slide this ring onto Kaye's finger and repeat after me, " You are my life, my love, my best friend, may this be a reminder of my love and commitment we have made here today with this ring I wed thee;
Kaye, slide this ring onto Rogers finger and repeat after me, " You are my life, my love, my best friend, may this be a reminder of my love and commitment we have made here today with this ring I wed thee;
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now to enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
With the powers vested in me by the state of Michigan, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss.
In as much as Roger and Kaye have consented together in marriage before their family and friends, have pledged their love, and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion; I, as ordained Minister of the Church of Universal Life, but most of all by the power of their love for each other, pronounce that they are husband and wife together forever.
Roger, you may now kiss your wife. "May the spirits watch over you as long as the grass grows and the rivers flow."
