Today I mark the passage of the twelve best years of my life. Though even after all this time she likely doubts it, I rightly reckon this woman, my wife, as the single best, most beautiful, most intriguing, most mysterious, most stimulating, most intelligent, wise, fascinating and loving human beings on the face of the earth I have ever had the privelage of meeting or knowing in all my days.
She is to me a living portrait of God's own faithfulness, sensitivity, care and nurturing attention. That one woman challenges me in ways no other can: to love, to grow, to think, to feel, to act, and to remain true to myself and my God in all things.
I have learned from her what it means to be a man, a husband, and a father. She has honored me as such, more than all.
She has opened to me her very soul, welcomed me inside to find both delightful companionship and rest.
I find in her inspiration to endure. She possesses an uncompromising resolve to think and to love thoughtfully.
It's not as if she cannot see my faults for what they are. She does, more clearly than most. Rather she beholds them as occasions to love me all the more, and meet me precisely where I am -- to pass through challenge and difficulty together.
Were circumstances different than they are now, I'd be spending the weekend in Minneapolis with her -- dancing to all things Prince and entranced by the lights shimmering in her eyes, delighted to see her joy at being there ... with me.
The phone rang just a while ago. Kim called, telling me she was sorry her family meant so much to her that she's driven with the kids today to go to her grandmother's 85th birthday.
"I'm not sorry at all your family is important to you, Kim. I'm glad to be one of them.'
God only knows how greatful I am on this, our 12th Anniversary.
Thanks, God, for putting that woman in my life -- and granting me wisdom enough to see even a glimpse of who and what you have made her to be -- for me.
