My Wonderful Man

So my title is borrowed - again!

But you need to know what a great husband I have.  Really.  I'm not just singing his praises to make him look good or to brag.  I really want the world to know that he is a wonderful man.  David and I have known each other since we were 12 years old!  Really!  We have been together 21 years and married 18.  He is my love.  And he still makes my heart skip a beat with his sly little wink.

I want the world to know:

He is a provider.  At a job that is, at the least, sometimes challenging.  He works hard.  Very hard - sometimes 60 hours a week.  He works hard at home.  Keeping repairs done.  Being a steward of God's blessings.  He keeps the cars running well, tanks filled with gas, windows clean.  Taking care that we can get where we need and enjoy the journey as well! 

He is a participant.  He is present in our lives.  He has coached soccer since Chris was 5 years old.  He has sold Girl Scout cookies with Ashley.  He skis with his kids.  He listens to my ramblings and stories and will even go shopping with me!

He is patient.  Kinda of a prerequisite to be married to me. I am what you might call "high maintenance."  And my kids follow in my foot steps.

He prays.  When doctors said we would not have children.  When children didn't come.  When two suprises came!  When his first-born was very ill.  When his second-born faced a lifetime of disabilities.  When his wife lay fighting for her life.  When our world was shaken from family strife.  When illness has come and numerous surgeries have arisen.  When God-doubts and self-doubts trouble his soul.  He prays.

He is passionate.  Still waters run deep.  He is passionate for his family.  That they know God.  That they use the talents God has given them.  That they honor God in every aspect of their life.  And in his love for me!

He plays hard.  Life is not all work.  God has given us time for work and time for play.  He works hard, plays hard.  The kids loved going on the roller coasters with him!  He loves to 4-wheel and camp - so do we.  He introduced me to the wilderness and I love it!

He is a teacher.  The kids have learned what "work ethic" means from him.  The kids have learned what "ethics" mean from him!  He has taught me consistency and unconditional love.  Yesterday, he worked all day, coached soccer then came home, exhausted, and taught Chris his math and started a science experiment with Ashley. 

He is tireless.  Working, teaching, loving, building, repairing, packing trailers, folding laundry - he is always busy.

He is a Godly Man.    Rising early to study the Bible and pray for his family.  Staying up late to pray for us.  Giving.  Going.  Supporting our dreams.  Driving to and from youth services.  Praying each night with his kids.

I am so thankful for my husband.  David.  He fits his name.  Strong.  Dependable.  Passionate.

"Thank you, Father, for my husband.  Thank you for a Christian family who raised him to serve you.  Thank you for his dedication to you and to us.  Lord guide his steps.  Go before him and prepare his path.  Send your angels before him to make his way straight.  Father God, be his rear-guard!  He will stand before Kings for his work is excellent!  Everything he touches will prosper because he sees everything as gift from you.  David stewards his time and gifts to you.  Be his strength, his shield.  Let him lay his head down at night and rest in perfect peace knowing that you, the Almighty God, watches over him.  He is blessed when he lays down and when he rises.  David has health and you bless his life with long days.  Let our life together, our family, be an example of your love and unending mercy.  Amen and Amen!!"