Six years ago I said “I do” to the love of my life.

You hear of people who are married for twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, even sixty years and you may wonder how they do it. What’s the secret to a long and happy marriage?

I realize that there are many “secrets” to happy marriage but today, I would like to contemplate just one….

“I do.”

Two simple words that hold a lifetime of commitment.

Some people say it on their wedding day and that’s it… life gets busy and they forget the significance of what saying “I do” means. They forget that those words need to be said each and every day for the rest of their lives.

Will you help manage our home? – I do.
Will you help raise our kids? – I do.
Will you forgive me for hurting your feelings? – I do.
Will you stand by me even though I’m sick and grumpy? – I do.
Will you share in my joys and delights? – I do.
Will you support me through the challenges I might face? – I do.
Will you talk and listen to me? – I do.
Will you trust me? – I do.
Will you be faithful to me? – I do.
Will you comfort me? – I do.
Will you hold me? – I do.
Will you respect me? – I do.
Will you encourage me? – I do.
Will you dream with me? – I do.
Will you show me that you love me? – I do.
Will you always remember why you married me? – I do.

Today is my anniversary, and today, just like every other day, I say, “I do”.

Jennifer Bly

Author of My Kitchen, My Classroom: An Introduction to Homeschool and creator of The Deliberate Mom. Jennifer writes about parenting, homeschooling, her faith, and life with her husband and two girls. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Degree with a specialization in Early Learning in Child Care.