Not because it’s his birthday, our anniversary, or even a special holiday.. but because I think it’s important for married couples to never take one another for granted.   Every day he gets dressed up (and boy does he look fine!) and heads out the door to listen for 8, sometimes 12 hours, the stories of the broken. The abuse, neglect and trauma that caused them to end up in his office depressed and often suicidal.  The profession of a Mental Health Counselor could emotionally exhaust one so very easily, yet somehow he manages to come home and make me feel like I’m the most special woman in the world. He takes the time to encourage me, and plan special ways to show me how much he cares. We laugh together, cry together, read the bible together and pray together. We visit shut-ins, make hospital calls, and he studies for the sermon he will deliver on Sunday (and delivers it with a passion and desire to bring hope to the lost and encouragement for the found). When God brought me my husband he was saying “Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart – (Psalm 37:4) and I am faithful when you put your trust in me.”

For all my single readers, don’t look at me now and think “She’s lucky! What about me God?!?” This was not luck my friends.  This was a 6 year journey of being single. Of nights at home alone or with my girlfriends because I was starting to understand it would be better to be alone, than be with the wrong one.  This man was brought into my life only when I fully, truly surrendered it ALL to God.  When I truly let go of everything (and anyone) that could be holding me back.  When I was sincerely good with it being just me and God, and truly OK if he never brought me a husband. When I understood that HE is my provider, protector, comforter and best friend. And most importantly?? Once I learned to love myself.  You can’t truly love someone else if you can’t love yourself.  It’s important to know who you are in Christ FIRST.  Broken people love with broken hearts, and hurt people, hurt people. Stop rushing into another relationship in the hopes it will heal the pain of the one that just failed.  Don’t feel “less than” if you are single. Don’t find your worth in someone else. Take the time to learn to be content and at peace in the silence. I’m living proof it’s worth it!

Never take your spouse for granted.
God is faithful – Hold out for His best!

“Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and it’s righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33