Understanding

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
1 Pet 3:7

So my pastor got up and started speaking about marriage today. Talk about speaking my language, right? And he did a phenomenal job. Just phenomenal.

I would like to point out, though, that since my wife was not present, I felt as though some of the message was lost on me. I didn't have the opportunity to "turn to your partner and say (encouraging words)." However, I did send my wife a text message to express that I love her more today than ever. And for those other husbands who were in the same boat with me this morning, I am proud of those of you who thought to do so, as well.

What I did get to see, though, was the reaction of the couples as they did turn to each other and speak. It is an interesting thing, to watch and listen for the conviction of words like "I love you," or "you're different, and I'm okay with that." I have to say, I was impressed with the couple sitting next to me. They are mentors of my wife and I, and are more seasoned that we are (trying to find a polite way to say older), and were sitting close to each other. As they turned and said what the pastor asked, they both began to giggle, as though they were still in their teens. There were inside jokes a-flyin', and neither one ever let go of the others' hand. And it was a truly AWESOME sight to see the truth in their eyes and hear the power in their voices when they said "I love you" to one another.

And then I thought about how much I missed my wife this weekend, as she was away with friends for a relaxing weekend. And I cannot wait to share these moments with her. And I pray that we show that same affection for each other as we gain "seasoning" in our life! It also reminded me of how truly vital mentor couples are, especially for us husbands.

So today, I ask that you dig into your church congregation and find a mentor couple to connect with. If you already have one, go visit them today or call them on the phone. (Especially us husbands.) And ask them the question, "What does 'understanding way' mean in your marriage?" You might be surprised how much insight you gain into your own wife! And then, sit down together and pray over greater understanding with your wife. I promise, you won't regret it!

God bless you all!!!

For her...

I return to you tonight, humbled and thrilled with my choice to lay low for a while. I pray blessings on you all, and I will explain my brief absence.

I became so enthralled in making other marriages work and offering advice to people I have never met that managed to forget the one marriage that truly matters more to me; my own. I have this issue with most things, as I leap in head first, not thinking about the consequences, and not focused on the effects in the immediate. Nothing truly negative ever comes of it.

I had to step back for a moment and take stock of a few things. And you know what I realized? I am a truly blessed man!!!

My wife is so encouraging, so supportive and so amazingly adaptable to all of the ideas I have. And she just keeps going, pushing forward while pushing me forward, with no thought for herself. And my greatest earthly strength comes solely from the support she gives me. Knowing she's behind/beside me allows me to put everything I am into something... ANYTHING... and have absolutely no fear of the outcome.

But here's where I falter; I forget to acknowledge and appreciate those qualities about her. I forget to offer encouragement back. I forget to speak her love language. I fail to remember that God chose her for me, specifically. I treat her like a person... not like a gift from the Most High.

I want to take a moment and say thank you to; the one God blessed me with; my partner; my adviser; my love; my very best friend; my wife; my LIFE!!! I love you, Lamb... more today than yesterday. And I'll love you more tomorrow than today... and I cannot wait for the Lord to help me to open my heart just that one extra sliver to show you more of it! It is why I wake up happy, and why I sleep soundly. Every day that I see your face is the single greatest day of my life.

Your Chicken loves you... always has, and always will.

God bless you all!!!