Words of Wisdom

by Bill Swetmon

Our wish for both of you today
is that your marriage will bring much happiness and joy
to each of you.

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens;
A good marriage must be created.
And it is created in the following ways:

It is never being too old
to hold hands

It is remembering to say I love you
at least once a day

It is at no time taking the other for granted.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together facing life.

It is forming a circle of love
that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other
not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice
but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which to grow.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which independence is equal,
Dependence is mutual and obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner,
It is being the right partner.