The Love of My Life...

This blog post is rated PG for some of my younger readers.



I wanted to post something on the 16th (the actual anniversary), but the day didn't afford me time to THINK about what I wanted to say, much less time to type it. Eighteen years ago on the 16th, The King and I (sounds like a movie title) had our first date. One of my older brothers had gotten married on the 14th and I was gone ALL day traveling there and back. When I got home, my roommate asked me, "Who in the world is 'The King'?" I reminded her he was a friend I'd gone to church with and knew from my first semester of college in another town. "Oh. Well, he's called five times for you." I returned his call the next day and he "told me out" on a date. (Still a joke to this day that he was so nervous..he forgot to ask.) What made him decide he was ready to be more than just friends?...I guess I never asked, because I was ready, too. A short six months later (to my family's dismay and his, too, I surmise), we were married. We never planned to have a whirlwind romance, but we did. I told my roommate after the first date that I was going to marry him. She about fell out of her chair! "What? He proposed?!" I calmly replied, that I had dated many christian guys, but I had NEVER been on a more godly date than that. Granted, we went to a movie and dinner. It was the conversation, the care of being appropriate with regard to our witness...not crossing boundaries, it was much more than I can articulate. But I knew.
Now eighteen years later, I still look at him adoringly. He is still so precious to me. Then, I knew what he was and what he could be. Now? I know what he IS and what he isn't. He's a man after God's own heart. He's a terrific "Dad" to my kids. He's a gentle lover and friend. He's a man of integrity. He's a spiritual leader. He's a good son, brother, uncle, nephew, son-in-law, and grandson. He's rediculously funny. He's AMAZINGLY talented in more ways than just music. He writes the songs of my heart. He's human and willing to say he was wrong. He's honest. He's intelligent. (He'll tell me that these pants don't make me look fat. See. I said he was honest AND smart.)He's a cancer survivor. He's a soul-winner. He is priceless and unique. He is a "hottie"! He is my encourager. He is the love of my life. He is the only one I want to share my life with.

Babe, I know you'll read this eventually. I just wanted to publicly say the things that are in my heart. I've read recently that men need to know their wives brag on them when they aren't around. I do, but for the record, I wanted you to be able to go back to this and be reminded of how much I LAAN you.

Thanks for remembering the anniversaries. It means so much to me.

I used to think I couldn't love you more...I was wrong. But the only reason I can, is because of the One who loved us first. Thank you for keeping Him the center of your life and leading our family to follow Him, whatever comes.