Something’s missing from marriage vows

The traditional marriage ceremony wording most people recognize today dates back to 1549 and The Common Book of Prayer in England. The wording of this sacrament spread with the British Empire over the next 500 years.

This book standardized the marriage ceremony and included vows such as:

“Till death us do part,” ”In sickness and in health,” “for richer, for poorer,” “for better, for worse”

This brings us up to the present time, but something has been left out. And it may be the most important vow to a human being. “Do either one of you cook?” Now this ain’t no small matter. Buy the groceries, plan a menu, follow the recipes, cook three times a day for the rest of your lives, and clean it up. At least one of you better have a positive answer or there’s trouble in River City. The obvious and best answer would be a sharing of responsiblilty as with the other vows.

It’s doubtful The Common Book of Prayer will get an overhaul because of this letter. Increase your chances of a successful marriage and remember you both like to eat — three times a day.

John Carver

Decorah