Sunday, February 3, 2008

A Letter To My Husband

Dear Michael,

I know this is a rather public forum to send you a letter, but I felt inclined to do so. I am so blessed to be married to you, and quite frankly, I don't care who knows!

Valentine's Day is approaching, and while we really don't do much to celebrate each year, it does cause me to reflect on our relationship, and how God has put us together. Jennifer made a comment the other night that we were an "odd" couple - that she didn't know anybody else who had been so uniquely put together by God, and so perfect for each other. I don't know if I'd fully agree that we're "odd" - I do agree that God has made us perfect for each other.

I have so many reasons to love you, and to be thankful for you. As a man, you are honorable, funny, loving, and humble. You have risen with great integrity to be the true head of our household. You carry our family into every moment with grace and wisdom. You have shown me so much love over the years, despite my insecurities. I truly feel safe as your wife, and know that I can put my whole being in your hands.

You are an amazing dad. The way you interact with the boys is remarkable. You always make time to be with them, and have never shyed away from an opportunity to be with them. You are honest with them, and share your own struggles with great humility. I know that they respect you, and will learn what a real man is, just by being with you. With so many stories of absent fathers, I'm so thankful that our boys will always be secure in the fact that their dad loves them.

You have always been such a faithful provider for our family. You worked so hard when the boys were small, just so that I could stay home with them. As the years have gone by, you have shown great dedication to providing for our family - even to the extent of working places that are less than desirable. You have so many amazing talents and abilities, and I'm so proud of all that you walk in: music, photography, management, creativeness, and the list goes on. I know that God favors your dedication, and will bless you greatly in every endeavor you walk in.

You are also a great friend. Not only to our friends, but to me. You are so encouraging, nudging me to pursue the gifts that you see in me - most of the time, seeing things in me before I do! I am amazed at how much my heart can trust you. I never imagined it would be possible for me to be so close to someone, and God has amazed me by allowing me to be close to you.

Our 12 years together so far have gone by in the blink of an eye. We've grown so much in that time - and it excites me to see what God has for us in our future. I thank Him every day that I get to spend my life with you. I thank Him every day that He's given our boys the most amazing father. And I thank Him every day for looking past my faults, and rewarding me with such a treasure.

Society all around us tells us we're to complain about our spouses. I whole-heartedly disagree with that mindset. I want to tell the whole world what a gift I have in you. I want everyone to know that not all wives have only things to complain about, but things to be joyful over. I am so proud of you, and all that you are. I love you more than I can express in words, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life trying to show you the depths of my feelings.

Love,
Heather

4 comments:

Florence and Gary Deeter said...

Heather,

I read your letter to Florence, and we were both deeply touched by the poignancy of your expressions of love. You mention so many aspects of married life, and your comments about each area show a wonderful gift for expressing feelings in such a way that other people can feel them as well.

Love,

Gary and Florence

JSchuety said...

You two are so cute. I'm glad I have such a good brother-in-law who makes my sister so happy.

Dana said...

I felt like I was snooping through your mail!!! But, I have to say this: "AWWWWW!!!" I love that you guys are so in love and have such a great relationship. You are an inspiration to us as well!

Elan said...

All I can say is WOW! What a great way to show your love for your spouse. You are an inspiring couple!