There is no gift like a good man.
Four years ago, on Christmas Eve 2005, Brian asked me to be his wife. He set up a pretty little table along the water front in Corvallis, Oregon, and took me there on a “picnic tea” to pop the big question. There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind as I said yes.
I’ve worn his ring for four years now, three and a half as his wife, and I can tell you it was the best gift I will ever receive. Not because it’s a gorgeous diamond and it makes my hand look pretty, but because of what it represents. When I came down the stairs this morning and saw the presents around the tree (most of them for Hudson!) I couldn’t help thinking that I already have the best one. He’s still sleeping up in our bed. He’s a good man, and he’s my man.
As a young woman I used to think being married was about companionship, and love, and children, and certain other things. What I’ve learned since living with Brian is that it is about those things, but it’s also about so much more. Marriage is knowing another person better than anyone else does. Knowing what they look like in the morning, and how they like to fold their t-shirts or brush their teeth. What they say about other people when those people aren’t around, and how they treat their family. It’s knowing another human being so deeply and loving them all the more for it. In my case, it’s watching my husband be himself, and having the privilege to enjoy that self every single day.
Brian is everything a man should be. He’s strong, and confident, and diligent and hard-working. He’s reasonable, and intelligent, and caring and kind. He’s attractive, and athletic, and talented and funny. He loves to learn, loves to work, loves to provide, loves being a father. He likes to do the dishes and our laundry and he always makes me feel like a queen. He supports my dreams and laughs at my jokes. He is committed to following Christ and loves His Word. He is my very best friend. He is one in six billion.
And on top of all these fabulous qualities, HE LOVES ME.
My life has been changed by simply being loved. And that is why Brian is the best gift. Not only is he such a man, but he has committed his life to loving me and being my spouse. Since he came into my life I’m more confident, more happy, even more filled with life and joy and love for the Lord than I was before. I feel we can conquer the world together!
The past three and a half years have taken us through four homes, four jobs combined, and untold numbers of boxes. These years have given us a son and now a daughter on the way, and led us through one deep sorrow. They’ve been the best years of my life. Brian, I am so proud to be your wife, and so thankful for our life together. I pray God gives us 60 more to enjoy! Thank you for being my husband.
And, Christ Jesus, today as we celebrate your birth I thank YOU for the gift of salvation, and for the life you’ve given me. I thank you for Brian, Hudson and little Abigail on the way. These gifts are so good they leave me speechless at your goodness and your glory. That they exist is a testament to You. If I can give anything back, let it be my thankfulness and my praise.
Merry Christmas. It’s time for me to go wake up my good man.