Over the decades, wedding vows have changed from pretty traditional and predictable to often very inventive. In the more traditional vows, the word “cherish” was often included. I still remember some of the lyrics of the song “Cherish” by the Association, performed in the 60’s.
Cherish is the word I use to describe
All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside . . .
You don’t know how many times I’ve wished that I could
Mold you into someone who could
Cherish me as much as I cherish you
I think that last line expresses the sentiment well – we all want someone in our lives who will cherish us as much as we do them. I know that I do.
I have noticed that with couples in my office or even in my own marriage, when I am intentional about doing things that cherish my wife, I then experience more positive feelings towards her, which then makes me want to cherish her even more. As one author described it, “It’s like getting a ball rolling downhill; cherishing picks up its own speed.”
Perhaps your significant relationship has wandered a long ways from cherishing – your relational ball stopped rolling a long time ago. But know this, it is not too late to turn that around. Or maybe you have the art of cherishing perfected and you are enjoying modeling the behavior for your kids as well as others. Either way, if you will begin to be deliberate in cherishing your mate, you marriage will be a lot more enjoyable.