Tuesday, January 25, 2011

6 reasons that I am truly blessed by Katie


(James) There is no question in my mind that I am not the most blessed man in the world to have married the woman I did. Every day we grow closer to one another and share more deeply and richly from the deep wells of our souls. As we grow in love, respect, trust and peace, we become more free to appreciate the other person for all that they truly are. I am learning that I am so absolutely dependent on the love and grace of both God and Katie.

These are just 6 reasons in which Katie has been an amazing wife to me.

1. Servant Heart - This woman isn't afraid to get dirty. Whether she is dusting our perpetually dust-ridden apartment, cleaning the many dishes from the host of students that we love to entertain, washing laundry or running errands, Katie is always serving. The household chores are just the beginning; Katie is always considering me and my day, where I am at emotionally, physically and spiritually. She is daily asking me what I need most, to relax and watch a movie, to get outside, to have some time alone, or to talk and process. All of this she does from a place of wanting to serve and love me well. I could go on about the times she has made me breakfast, lunch or dinner, woken up early to bring me to work or ran to the post office when I didn't have the chance. We are absolutely strengthened in our marriage by Katie's constant servant heart.

2. Listening Ear - Katie is the best listener that I have ever met. If you spend even a half hour with Katie, you will probably find that she asks really good questions. She is one of the most natural counselors that I have ever met. Even when I don't feel that I need to be drawn out, she will usually find something within my heart that unlocks a whole wellspring of insight or revelation regarding myself or our relationship. I can honestly say that I feel so very known by Katie. Her listening ear is therapeutic to my soul.

3. Playful Spirit - Hands down I have never laughed as hard as I have since meeting Katie. "Who knew that I married a comedian" is something I often find myself saying. Katie is a goof, she is playful, witty and really really funny. She finds humor in the most grim situations. Every day I feel more and more free to be me as I realize that Katie loves who "me" is. I can sing in my falsetto and she usually joins right in with her show choir voice and should-a-been-on-Broadway songs. I can be grabby and Katie finds a way to point it out in a way that I end up smiling. Laughter is truly good medicine and it is so good to call my wife my friend, truly.

4. Profound Counsel - Although the pressure is often times put on the man to figure things out and be capable of leading, I find myself relying more and more on Katie's wise counsel, not only in personal matters, but relational matters too. As we continue to navigate the direction of our life together I long more and more to know what my wife thinks. I feel as though I usually fail to let her know how much her counsel means to me, but hopefully she will read this. Whether matters regarding my place of employment, family matters, ministry, friendships or finances... Katie has SO MUCH to bring to the table. Praise the Lord it isn't all on me.

5. Encouraging Voice - I have never met someone that is equally as encouraging and positive. She is like positive and uplifting Christian radio - except much less corny with a whole lot more variety. If I find a penny on the side of the road she will throw me a party to celebrate. Truly I feel as though my smallest accomplishments and hard work do not go unnoticed. Although I historically tend to be retched when it comes to thank yous (I didn't send out thank you letters for my graduation presents) she is teaching me what it is to be intentional with giving people praise and encouragement. And when things aren't looking so good, Katie is steadfast and hope-evoking. Her words are light in dark places. She is my best friend when I can be my own worst enemy.

6. Devoted Desire - There is something about a wife that just loves and desires you that makes the heart of a man explode. Katie is the most honoring and faithful wife a man could imagine. Whether carrying around a picture of me on her phone, leaving a voice mail greeting for everyone to hear "If this is my husband, I LOVE YOU!", posting pictures of us all over facebook, our blog, and our apartment, the girl loves me and isn't afraid to let people know. She has been instrumental in reassuring me in my times of self doubt and fear of abandonment. I have, in large ways overcome those fears and I have to attribute much of that growth to her devoted desire. God shows his love and desire for me through my wife and that desire is inspiring. There are few things that a man wouldn't do for that kind of wife.

So here is to 6 months and to my Bride! 

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