Sunday we did one of the coolest things I have been involved with as a pastor in a long time. We staged a marriage vow renewal for 21 couples in our church. They have been married for 4 all the way to nearly 50 years. It was spectacular, as they walked up the center aisle of the church, one couple at a time, with their original wedding photo posted on the large screens as they walked (oh, some of us have changed!). I counted 4 women wearing wedding dresses, of whom one was in her original dress.
Many of those who renewed had small weddings (or even eloped), so this was a really big thing to them. A lot of the couples were crying during the vows. One couple said they wanted to do it so their kids could get an idea of their wedding, since the kids weren't around for the original wedding. That was a great idea- I would love to have seen my parents renew their vows.
During the ceremony, we had 3 couples share what it meant to them. They were from 3 different stages of marriage and life, married 10 years (newbies to me after 30 plus years) , 23 years (having teens, the hardest stage of marriage according to counselors), and 50 years (grandparents). It made me think a lot of how different the various stages of marriage and life are. We really need to enjoy our spouses while we have them- the future is guaranteed for no one.
After we had a great party at a local hotel for those who wanted to celebrate, about 100 people. Each couple present shared about how they met, proposed, etc.- very eye-opening! Thanks, marriage and family ministry for staging an event to truly remember.
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Sounds like you had a fun weekend. You may want to consider a message on the different, difficult stages that many marriages go through. Sometimes its reflecting on those original vows during the stormy times that help you ride out the waves until the calm.
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