What A Difference A Woman Makes
Looking at this picture that Marie snapped one morning while I was reading my Bible captures my 30 year relationship with this woman: my world would have been without color. It would have been all about work, rules, disciplines, and practices instead of relationships - which are much much more important.
One clear example is this vacation, delayed by almost twenty days because of my book launch in the US, Marie patiently waited and worked on getting a bargain for our trip to Missibis Bay. She didn't make a fuss that I wasn't in the same city on our 30th, or that she was the one putting in the effort, she didn't give me the silent treatment nor the nagging treatment. She just made things happen for us, and it was a beautiful time.
A thoughtful woman who is quick to forgive, God knew exactly what He was doing when he matched me with this girl - who is my complete opposite! While I'm very task oriented, Marie is more people-focused. Unlike my workout routine of walking Vito, running, and at-home exercises, she'll try everything from Zumba to aqua Zumba, to Krav Maga, to this new exercise that has the world insane in it. I like to think about how to get the job done. She likes to think about how everyone is doing. While I eat for sustenance and utility (sorry Chef Him and my other chef friends!), Marie savors flavors, smells and colors. She really sees things in different colours, as opposed to my black and white, and through her I see the world differently. I know it might be common to many people today, but this girl actually takes pictures of what she eats! This is funny, I often hear her in the other room talking to our dog by herself, "Puppy doggie lovie, I love you baby, shusshu...." and even sings Christian songs to him." Who does these things?
So different yet so enchanting - and such a blessing.
Many of you know that my wife is a painter, and she always paints with vibrant colors and chooses a certain brand of pain because of their vibrancy. She loves caring for the family, and she's always reaching out to friends. Just a few weeks ago, while I was in the U.S., I found out that she had gone to visit a recovering church friend with my youngest son, Joshua, and his girlfriend Kristie in tow. She's like that. Always likes having people.
In a few hours we will be kicking-off the annual Every Nation Asian Pastors' Equipping Conference (APEC). Over 250 pastors and missionaries from Every Nation Asia are in Manila for equipping, encouragement, and of course some enjoyment! APEC always reminds me of the blessing that comes with having good partners, and the biggest blessing among these partnerships, by far, is Marie.
Marie, my world would be a dreary black and white had not God given you to me thirty years ago. What a difference a woman can make - when that woman is you. I love you.
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." Proverbs 18:22
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