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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Praising God for My Gift

My husband and I met in high school. At first, he was a friend of a friend, but it didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted him to be MY friend. At first, I thought he was quiet, but now I know that he is reflective; always thinking about others and weighing their thoughts and actions. I'm not sure that this is a conscious activity of his...maybe it's just his gift. You see, he always seems to know what to say. When I'm emotional (very often;), he always knows how to make me smile.

When we first met, my love was not a Christian, but God who is rich in mercy saved him shortly before we got engaged. My husband grows more Christ-like with each passing day. He has always known how to make me smile, but now he points me to the joy of the Lord that is my strength. When I am angry, he always knows how to gently speak truth to me. He is gracious with me in my short-comings, recognizing that I'm a work in progress. He faithfully holds out the Gospel for me and encourages me with its truth.

My husband also holds out the Gospel for our children. I can be quick to correct our children because they've done wrong, but my husband knows that God uses the Gospel to transform by His Spirit. Merely giving our children the Law can cause them to despair, but the Gospel gives hope. I love hearing my husband hold out this hope to my children; he sets a great example for me!

My husband is quick to serve others. When I am tempted to think of all the reasons why it is inconvenient to do this or that, but my husband helps me see my heart; my love of self, comfort, and ease. He reminds me of Christ's love and sacrifice for me and helps me to esteem others more highly than myself. He does this with wisdom and discernment, balancing the needs of others with the needs of our family.

My husband is fun to be around. He finds ways to make ordinary days, extra-ordinary. When asked what they love most about Daddy, my children said, "playing outside, playing cards, and wrestling" among other things. He is so easy-going and joyful. His smile and laugh are two of my favorite things. Sometimes, he leads family "small group meetings" where we worship together, have devotions, pray, and eat a special snack. It's such a special time together. I love watching him lovingly interact with our children.

Perhaps the most touching thing that he is growing in doing for me is that he takes time to pray with me. Although my husband serves and cares for me in so many ways, nothing makes me feel more loved and cared for than this gesture. It is especially meaningful when I am struggling and he prays over me.  I love that he doesn't try to fix everything in his own strength, but helps me focus on our sovereign God first! I love coming before the throne of our Father together!!

It also touches my heart when I see and hear of him pausing to pray with others. I've observed him, across the room at church during times of fellowship, bow his head to pray with other men. I've heard reports of him pausing during lunch meetings in town to pray with others who are just passing by the table, honest about their day. This thrills my heart! I love that he blesses others by pointing them to our faithful Father.

James says that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17). I praise God for his abundant grace in my life in giving me such a good gift in my husband and best friend!! He reflects God's faithfulness and steadfast love as he cares for our family and points us evermore to our faithful Heavenly Father!

Those are just some of the many reasons why: "My Husband Rocks!" :)

(Happy Father's Day, my love! ;)

2 comments:

Becky said...

Love this post, but I am sure your husband loved it even more! :)

Darlene Schacht said...

So beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.