I will love you and honor you, all the days of my life.
While I was engaged to Aaron, I read a book entitled "Seven Reasons Why God Created Marriage," by James Ford Jr. It was such a powerful reminder of the holiness of marriage, and the lifetime commitment we were about to make. Over the past five months, our family has faced one sickness after another and it has often taken it's toll on our marriage. Living in a home with two teachers, we are exposed to illnesses of students at the public schools they work in. It is surely a natural part of parenting to have young children who fall ill often. However, this week, my husband has fallen ill. It is the worst illness he's had since he had meningitis in high school. He is in excruciating pain. He is limited in what he can do at work and at home. In his book, James Ford shares the story of his deep love for his beloved wife. For years, she has been bed-ridden and unable to carry out her duty as a housewife. He has been blessed beyond measure by loving her through the difficult times. But even if he didn't see the blessings right away, his commitment to her was "in sickness and in health!" When she felt overwhelmed by his love and became frustrated at her inability, she threatened to leave him, to make his life "easier." He lovingly told her, "If you leave me, I'm going with you!" In our four plus years of marriage, that idea has often been at the back of my mind. If and when one of us ever feels like we want "out," the other one is coming with! It pains my heart to see my husband in such pain. For the last three days, he has gone to work, despite his excruciating pain. I find it an honor to serve him, pray for him, and help him in whatever way I can. There is no telling how long this illness will last. If it progresses, it becomes a danger to our unborn child so my physical contact with him will have to be limited. Am I having a hard time with the increased workload? Am I anxious for him to feel better? At times, yes! However, my prayer is that I would bless him with my attitude; my hope is that we would love him through this difficult time in his life and lighten the load so that he can rest. I am certainly not aiming for perfection, but I am truly hoping that the Lord would love him through me, sacrificially and completely. For His glory.
