The Other Woman

The first woman I ever loved was of course my mother. In fact I still love her even today - she's my mom, and she did an amazing job with me and my brother. But there's another woman in my life. It's my wife. Today is our 16th anniversary and I want the world to know why I am in love with this other woman.

• She gave up a fast-tracked military career as an officer to stay home and raise our children
• She didn't really know how to cook when I married her but has learned and excelled at not just "making food" but serving meals
• While she hasn't always agreed with me, she has never wavered in her love and support of me as a husband, father and pastor
• She practices hospitality
• She has had five children and considers it important to be healthy and in shape - so even after 5 kids, she is still as attractive as the day I married her (can I get an AMEN?!)
• Her patience is rarely exhausted as demonstrated by my "piles" that she "allows" me to keep around the house - even though it takes everything in her not to clean it up or throw it in the trash
• She is considerate of others - a people-pleaser of sorts, but she's learned to say no to protect her time and family
• She loves Jesus and it shows in her conversations and actions
• She our children, despite her feelings of inadequacy, and all of our children excel beyond their grade levels
• She is organized and has shared some of her planning skills with me - thus making me a better person
• She can look at me, smile, then laugh and I melt
• She is low-maintenance. She doesn't like to shop, doesn't take hours (really just a few minutes) to get ready in the morning
• She isn't "frumpy" - she still dresses nicely even if she's only going to be home
• She's disciplined. She has a "secret stash" of chocolate, but limits herself to just a little at a time.
• She is an example to other women, mothers, and other wives in so many areas
• She's a mighty nice kisser
• She's modest in how she dresses without being prudish, out of style or otherwise boring
• She honors me by her words both to me and to others
• She's frugal and wise with our money (did I mention she doesn't like to shop?!)
• She enjoys the simple things (and that includes me)
• While she appreciates good food and good atmosphere, she'd rather spend the money on others (like our kids) or save it
• She is an amazing mother who takes time to know each of her children as individuals and blesses them in ways that let them know she cares
• She's thoughtful - always ready with a kind word, a thoughtful gift, or hug
• She's honest...people (including me) may not always like what she says, but she says it so gently and sincerely you can't help but listen and consider what she's said
• She's a great nurse who loves her job and the people and babies she cares for
• She still needs me for some things - like directions, house and car maintenance and math
• She honors my parents. Even though she's the other woman in my life, she honors my mom - sometimes, she talks to to her more than I do.
• She is faithful. Faithful first to Jesus and because of that, she's been faithful and committed to me.

So Lora, I want to wish you a Happy Anniversary and say thanks for making each of the past 16 years something I look back at with fondness and joy. I am confident that the years that are yet to come will be filled with both happiness and heartache, joy and sorrow, smiles and tears - and I can say without hesitation that I am looking forward to experiencing every one of those moments with you. Today, I honor you, I praise you, I delight in you, and I love you. See you soon My Lovely Bride.