So Thankful for My Husband

[I was a little hesitant to post this because it is so personal, but if it could give someone encouragement, then it's worth making myself vulnerable...]



Ya know, parenting changes you in so many ways. For me, it's made me so much more thankful for my husband.

For those who know me, you probably know my story. As a high schooler, I wasn't very smart when it came to choosing guys to date. I let my emotions rule, and never took a step back to analyze what kind of guy I really needed. Finally I got angry with God at the standards I felt that He was calling me to have, because it ruled out just about every possible guy I knew. And God Almighty, in His grace, showed me that I needed to surrender my choice of a date/husband to Him, to lean on Him and let Him teach me about this area of my life. Imagine that, my Creator knew the best design for me?! Then He patiently led me to understand that dating was much more serious than I thought, and that even the God of the Universe cared about this decision for my life. So, as I slowly (and not always faithfully) learned to follow Him, God introduced me to Chuck. We were friends for a couple of years, and God taught me so much during that time about what to look for in a guy. Then, in His perfect timing, God led me to date Chuck...At this point we knew each other so well, we were really ready to marry, so within 6 weeks I was wearing a ring, and within 6 months we were married. I was in awe that entire time, that I was with a man who I thought was really out of my league. He was so upright, had such great moral character. My track record before him was not nearly so good. He truly loved God and had a compassion for others. He was a giver, loyal and faithful, wise in many ways, he cared for his family, served people, etc. His was a rare breed. Sure, I knew other guys like him, but he was so perfect for me, such a great complement. And I was so grateful to God for giving me someone I would've never found by myself.

Take that feeling and multiply it times infinity the day Charlie entered my life. I suddenly realized yet again how important it was that I had a husband who was so solid. I had a man who was now a father to my son. My son, who would need a great man to look up to. Had I chosen my own way in high school, I probably would've ended up a single mom, or my son's father would've been less than responsible toward his child. My choice of a date/husband affected more than me, it affected my future children. I wish I would've realized that before I entered middle school! I wish I'd been wise enough to think that far ahead. And only by God's grace, did I end up with the man of my dreams!! And I could tell my son, "I have a great father for you! He will love you, and he will be faithful to care for us, and he is a great man that I hope you will imitate." Even if my boys get every one of Chuck's weaknesses, they would still make me so proud!! I'm so thankful that they have a great father, all because the God of the Universe cared about who I married, and blessed me beyond all I could imagine.

The moral of the story: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6.