Supportive Spouse

I've never doubted that God brought Tim into my life for a purpose.  Much like our feet connect in just the right spot while sleeping, we fit together.  Where I lack a skill, he possesses it and where he needs strength in an area, I have it.  We are a puzzle of two pieces.

Yet, just because I know he has gifts that I may not, it doesn't excuse me from wanting to do and be better.  Very often, his strength in an area helps me see where I need to up my game.  Or rather, it helps convict me of something I should work to improve.

Previous posts have shared his selflessness.  It's perhaps one of my favorite and most admired traits of Tim.  Recently, in dealing with the news of my tick disease diagnosis, I've realized how little he complains.  Or maybe how much I do.

Sometimes I don't think of it as a complaint, just conversation.  But it dawned on me the other day, as he caught the brunt of my venting, he rarely does this with me. 

Now, I can tell by a quick glance how he's feeling, even if he doesn't share.  For the past week, he's had a kink in his neck but has not muttered one negative word about it.  Catching him readjust or grimacing silently, without asking, I'll begin applying oils to help ease his pain.  And if I feel something is emotionally bothering him, I'll bug him enough that he'll either share or get aggravated by the multiple questions.

I, on the other hand, give a detailed listing of anything bothering me at any given moment.  At least to Tim.  He really never has to guess about how I'm feeling -unless he's made me mad and I am giving him the silent treatment!

Saturday he planned a date night, sensing I needed some pampering from my stressful week.  It wasn't anything elaborate but quality time always fills my love tank.  After an evening of seafood and shoe shopping, I was one joyful girl. 

And though I may not always show it or thank him for the many ways he shows me he cares, I do count my blessings daily for God giving me this man.

When I come home to an empty sink or laundry basket.  As a text comes through with a sweet note from him, just because.  When he comes up behind me with a hug and a kiss.  Because he stops on the side of the road to pick my favorite flower.  When he listens to my grumbling without saying a word or even a sigh.  On the weekends, as he fixes my coffee first.  Every time he rubs my feet, willingly and lovingly.  As I go to bed to find it neatly made before he left for work. 

And a dozen other simple ways he says "I love you" every single day.  I am truly grateful to have him in my life!

Selfless Spouse

Sometimes I'm filled with such love for my husband, I wonder if my heart has room to contain it all.  He amazes me every single day.  And in writing this, as my thoughts jump and decide where to begin, I wonder can it even be fully expressed?

There's nothing spectacular to tell you.  No one act of superhuman greatness.  Not one story of miraculous nature.  Yet, I'm continually in awe of his selflessness, his patience, his character and his genuine love for others.

I am so very blessed to be his wife.

At the current moment, I'm listening to the calm instruction, as he shows our son how to work on the water lines.  Though our dishwasher isn't even a year old, a bit of maintenance is required today.  And instead of whipping through the issue first thing this morning, he waited to work on it with our boy.

Waited, also because he's spent his entire morning helping others.  Transporting Tina where she needed to be, picking up supplies for me, helping a co-worker's friend carry furniture, stopping at the pharmacy (on his day off) to lend a hand, and returning to the store, upon realizing the cashier gave him too much change.  Such is a typical day for my hubby.

"Right tight, left loose," he says softly from under the sink, reminding Noah not to cross-thread it as he connects a line.  Then he follows with, "And now, what would you do next?"

Tim never makes excuses for why he can't help someone.  It isn't in his nature to figure out how to get out of doing so.  Instead, he seems to search for opportunities to help others.  And he never rushes or makes them feel like he'd rather be doing something else.

"Anything worth doing is worth doing right."

He doesn't ask or even expect acknowledgement.  In fact, I would bet the thought never crosses his mind.  My husband is not one for titles and trophies.  Even his "side business," or rather hobby as I call it, he does not to make money but to help others.  Because he's not a slick businessman, but rather a selfless Jesus-man, focused not of getting ahead in this world but rather awaiting his rewards in another.

"Slow and steady always wins the race."

And I couldn't be more grateful to God that I get to share my life with him, or to have him guide and direct our kids.