In those 21 years, I’ve dragged her through seminary housing, living with a homeless ministry, several years on an Indian Reservation, and a couple of small churches. And she’s never once complained about the low standard of living that comes with being a small church pastor.
Along the way, God blessed us with four wonderful children, whom she has done the bulk of the labor in raising and homeschooling. Our children are becoming amazing servants of Christ, largely due to their mother (and of course large doses of God’s grace). Again, she does all this without complaint.
She is the very definition of what a godly woman should be. She loves Christ, loves her husband, loves her family, loves her church; pretty much in that order, as it should be.
I know that grace is an amazing thing in general. I know that receiving undeserved favor, unmerited blessing is at the core of our faith. And I am constantly amazed that God would ever love “such a worm as I.”
Though nothing can or ever will compare with that grace, I continue to marvel at the fact that God gave me Cheryl on top of it all. What a blessing to this worthless lump! And I am eternally grateful for it all.
Happy Anniversary, Cheryl! I love you more every day!
(Even if the kids do think there’s more than one dinosaur in this photo!)
5 comments:
Congrats dude! I just celebrated 37 years with a woman, who left family, friends, and home to endure two bible colleges at opposite end of the state of CA; 3 churches, where one painfully and without mercy "chewed us (me) and spit me out", four children, four grandchildren, starting over at least 2 times and about to endure, Lord willing a brand new church plant. Why amazing women we have. Must be from good pioneer stock!
Gregg, you said it. Every guy I know married above himself. Just one more reminder of grace. God is SO good!
Congratulations to the both of you! It'll just get better 'n better!
How beautiful!
I wish you and your wife a very beautiful and happy Anniversary!
May the Lord richly bless you and your family!
Thanks, everyone. This posted as a note on my FB page, and we've been overwhelmed by the kind, loving thoughts folks have shared. Here's looking at the next 21 years!
Post a Comment