To My Wife,
While sharing our stories with our new community group this past week, I got to thinking about how amazing our story is; how “fortunate” I am that you have chosen to share your story — our story — with me. We have known each other for almost 18 years, just celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary, shared countless experiences (highs and lows), a seemingly infinite list of inside jokes, and we are raising couple of people who remind me daily my life is not my own.
You are more beautiful than you know. I could get lost in your baby blues — if only I take the time to gaze. Sometimes, I secretly hope you don’t know it, because I know you could have done better than me… But please don’t try 
You are a creatively talented diva. In the kitchen, you can make just about anything work together. You can take the most unappetizing ingredients separately and combine them into something that quickly becomes a family favorite. In your work, you conjure up the most engaging ways to teach kids – something that still to this day is something I know I could never do. In raising our children, you can turn even the dullest of chores or tasks into a new game or something fun for the whole family. They adore you. You know what makes me tick. Creatively, you offer me freedoms and opportunities that you know I wouldn’t take for myself. All because you love me, and many times greater than I could love myself.
So, what has happened to us? We used to be so madly in love. I may not say it enough and sometimes my actions may not directly reveal it, but I still am. In fact, I would dare say the cliché, “I love you more today than I did the day before”. And just when I think I have you all figured out, I realize I am far from figuring you out. For example – you’re not a big fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. After all these years, who knew?!?! Yet, with a boldness only possessed by you, you wear your heart on your sleeve. I never have to guess what’s on your mind, sometimes even if I wanted to. That is one of the things that attracted me to you in the first place, even if I sometimes claim I want you to keep some of them to yourself.
You have 2 favorite quotes — 1 from “Spiderman” no less — “With great power comes great responsibility”. You wield a great power, and you are greatly responsible with it. The second of your favorite quotes is from a baseball movie, “Fever Pitch” — “I like being part of something that’s bigger than me, than I. It’s good for your soul to invest in something you can’t control.” How true… We can’t necessarily control every aspect of how our lives will turn out, circumstances that we may find ourselves in, fortunes gained or lost — but this relationship — this journey — is bigger than us. I like being part of something that’s bigger than me. You are me and I am you.
I Love You,
-Nathan
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.11 Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.14 She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.15 She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.16 She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.18 She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.19 She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.20 She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.21 She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.22 She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.23 Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.24 She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.28 Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:29 “Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.31 Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
You are a great woman!
