My 9 year anniversary wedding vows

A couple of weeks ago, Nathanael and I went to a lovely wedding, where the bride and groom wrote and read to each other their vows. I can't remember ever going to a wedding where the bride and groom had written their own vows. It was very touching and I really liked it. Having said that, I don't think I'm the kind of person to do that, and even if I were to go back and get married again, I don't think I would do it.

Part of me wishes I was the "type" of girl who gets excited about and wants to write her own wedding vows. The truth is, I don't think romantically or sentimentally enough for that. And that is okay with me. I'm going to do it anyway,though, because any activity that leads me to stop and consider and enjoy our 9 year marriage is worth doing.

So without further ado, my wedding vows, thoughtfully and lovingly prepared for our 9th anniversary.


Nathanael, my favorite part about being married to you for 9 years is the sheer volume of material to draw upon when considering what to write about our marriage, and what I love about it. So many things pop into my head. That would not have been the case the year we were married, or the second, or third. So that makes this fun. Thank you for all the memories that I enjoyed thinking about while writing this.

I decided to write 9 vows, in honor of our 9 years of marriage. And because 9 is the best number. You know it is.

*I promise I will struggle to provide you words of affirmation until they pour forth regularly and easily from my mouth, or until I die.

*I promise to work to become an expert in your strengths, and not just a noticer of your weaknesses.

*I promise I will tell you I love you daily - and mean it.

*I promise I will NOT reach for your hand, in the car or anywhere else. I will let you take the lead on this one.

*I promise I will always be your best encourager, admirer, supporter, cheerleader. defender, and sounding board.

*I promise I will try every day to be kind to you, even (especially) when I am sick or sleeping.

*I promise I will always try to give you the respect you need, even on days when I don't feel like it.

*I promise I will always make bagels for you. This is new for me. Please be patient while I figure this one out.

*I promise to love you more today than yesterday, but less than I will tomorrow.


Followed by 9 things I have grown to admire and love about you, in our 9 years of marriage...

*I admire your intelligence, quick thinking, and interesting ideas.

*I admire your ability to speak to groups of people of any age and get them excited about Jesus, or coffee, or both.

*I admire your humility and generosity

*I love that you make my tea for me sometimes

*I love that I am your favorite person to spend time with.

*I admire how well you do your job, and how respected and admired you are by others.

*I admire your love for Jesus.

*I love that you think of me when you hear bits on NPR that you think I would like, and you send them to me to listen to.

*I love how, when it was time for me to get a job, you didn't make me feel bad about not having one, or pressure me. You just sent me links and articles for things you thought I could do well.

There are no better words to describe how I feel about you than those of one of our favorite TV characters on her wedding day. You know who she is.

"The things that you have done for me to help me, support me, surprise me, to make me happy, go above and beyond what any person deserves. You're all I need. I love you and I like you."