Birthday Reflections

I just have to say it publicly, I really love my husband. We celebrated his 45th birthday last Thursday, and that morning I spent time in prayer just thanking God for him. I'm grateful for his generous spirit, his compassionate and loving nature, his work ethic, his sense of humor, his wonderful way with children of all ages (he's a big kid himself, really), and so much more, not the least of which is the fact that he is an accountant and able to balance a checkbook (it's a really good thing for our family that one of us can). I thank God every day for blessing my life by putting Joey and me together!

One thing I'm especially grateful for is Joey's dedication to being the spiritual head of our family. Tonight as he was traveling home from a Promisekeepers conference, I couldn't help reflecting that it has not been that many years ago since I was praying earnestly for that very thing. After he basically told me to back off at one point, I realized that all I could do was pray and the rest was up to God. Boy did God deliver! I won't go into all the circumstances and events leading up to Joey's change of heart, that is his story to tell. But I will say that God's timing is always perfect, and he began growing our marriage in amazing ways when we decided to put God at the center of it and seek him first together.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Since my MS diagnosis last January, Joey has been such a rock for me. Having him to love me, comfort me and take care of me when I need it has given me more strength than I ever could have found on my own. And when he holds my hand and offers up prayers on my behalf, I know that I will not be overpowered.

So happy birthday to you, Joey. I love you and I thank God for you.