In the span of 13 days, I made promises I’m supposed to keep forever. I vowed that I would preach the Holy Scriptures, recommend fasting or abstinence (both by word and by example), and earnestly strive to be made perfect in love.
I vowed that I would “instruct the children in every place,” visit from house to house, never be unemployed, never be triflingly employed, never trifle away time.
I vowed that I would live together in holy marriage with one particular man. I vowed to love him, comfort him, honor him, keep him. I vowed that I would forsake all others and be faithful to him as long as we both shall live.
I was 30 years old and it was a lot of vowing. Got ordained and got married. Got pregnant — no, but if I had, my lifelong tethering would have been complete. Got back from the honeymoon. I wanted to write down all the vows and hang them on my wall, so I would remember.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving
and make good your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14 (BCP)
