GraceLaced Monday: This Man

Two are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9

This is my beloved; this is my friend....

Song of Solomon 5:16

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. 

Ephesians 5:25

BB turned 36 on Saturday.

This is our year of the quiet celebration, simply out of a need for simplicity and no-fuss, and out of necessity (daily life has included enough activity and drama in recent months that big celebrations just feel overwhelming to us all).

So, after nearly a week out of the country on business last week, it was no different: Saturday had to be about catching up this-and-that and just being. We procured a few special treats for him: a bar of nice chocolate, a special cup for his super-healthful smoothies he's been making each morning, and a pack of gum (from CA - she likes to give gum!).

We had big salad for his birthday dinner. It's a menu choice that's become a surprise favorite for most of the kids: salad greens topped with all manner of satisfying goodies - diced boiled egg, toasted nuts, berries, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and so on. Then we added a little maple-soy marinated grilled chicken to the salads.

Dessert was his all-time most-requested birthday treat: pound cake and strawberries. I made a loaf instead of a bundt so that we would not have leftovers. Used a leftover candle from AH's birthday.

Once the kids were in bed, BB and I collapsed on the couch and caught the last half hour of The Ten Commandments on tv. It was a good day.

But I really sat down to write about him, not about his birthday! I'm so happy God has given him these 36 years, and that I've had the privilege of knowing him for (gasp!!) 23 of them. Far better than knowing him has been enjoying married life with him.

I still cannot get over the fact that, after carrying quite a crush on him for much of my teenage life, I got to be the one to hear Will you marry me? Really?! Me?!

Now it's been 13.5 years together and 12.5 as Mr. and Mrs. We've had two moves, five births, one adoption, and many of the ups and downs and changes everyone faces. Oh, and then of course, there's Baby Boy on the way, too (smile, giggle, hooray on that change/surprise!).

It's occurred to me (I've been a bit slow in the emotional-awareness department, but I'm coming around...) that it's largely because of BB and his character and kindness (not some amazing contribution from me, in other words) that our married life has been so happy and simple. I'm the rather high-maintenance one here. He's the super-flexible, easy to please one. And his efforts to do things that delight and surprise me? The ways he supports my heart, my ideas, decisions, dreams? How can this be?!

I could go on and on. Really. Ad nauseum to many, I am sure. But I'll treasure all the rest of it in my heart (and occasionally spill it on my young friends who are awaiting God's will and revelation of their future mates...just to encourage them to wait, wait, wait on God's very best...).

All I can say is a humble, rejoicing Thanks be to God!

What a blessing to share my days with a man who loves so well, whose love for Jesus and spiritual maturity are growing day by day, who works so hard and is wise.

God has blessed, and this is marriage grace that's beyond precious and gives such strength to my heart and life. To God be the Glory!