Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I Hope I Have Another 33

Thirty-three years ago today, I thought I was SO mature. 19 years old (I was quick to add that I would be 20 in October) -- and two days away from getting married. In retrospect, taking in most factors -- I was nowhere near ready for marriage. And I was about to learn a lot about myself.

On this side of it, as we approach our 33rd anniversary, I can see how God matured me after the fact. Fortunately I married an INCREDIBLE woman who, next to God Himself, showed me so much grace. She encouraged me and was patient with me as I grew into a man.

At this point in our lives, I cannot imagine life without my best friend and soulmate. I still get excited in the evenings when I hear the garage door open -- knowing that she is home. I love to see her smile -- because I take credit for it. And even to this day, aside from the Holy Spirit (actually in partnership with Him), she is my greatest motivator to greater Christlikeness.

I am writing this two days early because I will be out of the office for a few days. But I just want Beverly and all bloggerland to know that I have lived a charmed life. Choosing a mate at 19 statistically is a HUGE mistake. But God not only protected me -- He gave me the best.

2 comments:

Jeff said...

Congratulations! I hope there are many more to come.

Lauren said...

Rick,

This brought tears to my eyes because, even though I'm not at a point in my life where God has chosen to show me my mate yet, I pray with every fiber of my being that the things you wrote about Beverly can be said of me as a partner, a friend, a woman, and, most importantly, a disciple of Jesus Christ. What powerful words and and emotions they are. Thanks for teh encouragement. I am praying for the existence and entrance of Noah into the world friend! Josh and Kayci are just such authentic, surrendered servants of the Spirit! Bless you!