Happy Birthday Marie!
It's a quality I have grown to love about her. Last January 1, at lunch she found a young woman (obviously from overseas) by herself in the restaurant. Not wanting her to dine alone on New Year's day, she invited her to eat with us. Naturally, we ended up paying for her meal. In the past I always wondered, who does these things? Well, Marie.
At lunch today she decided to spend it with an old friend who now lived alone as children and spouse have moved away for various reasons. I watched her attentively listen to her and end the afternoon praying for her. Not one moment reminding anyone, ""hey its my birthday.""
Tonight at dinner with our sons and their spouses it even got more pronounced. When they brought in cakes and candles she closed her eyes and prayed. And every word she uttered was for her sons and their wives and some for me, not one about her desires.
That's Marie, always kind, always thinking of someone else.
I wish I could say I always loved this about her. But early in our marriage it drove me crazy as she reached out to anyone she empathized with. Now, I can only be grateful to God for giving me this woman. After all I am the foremost beneficiary of her patience and kindness despite my many shortcomings. I've had a front seat view of what it means to love others.
Thanks Sweetie, for loving us. Most specially, thank you for loving the Lord the way you have. You indeed embody a beauty that is not from outward adornment, elaborate make-up  or the wearing of accessories, but of an inner beauty that is unfading, a gentle, quiet spirit which of great worth in God's sight (2Peter 3:3-4). Love you very much.
Sorry for the recycled video, I still mean everything in it. Happy Birthday!
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