Thankful for My Wife

I don't say it enough. That's why I really love this week. Each year it seems to remind me of so many things that I take for granted without saying "Thank you." And this morning I am just filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward the woman God so graciously gave to me over 13 years ago. April is the most unselfish, selfless woman I have ever met. She literally buys nothing for herself. Ever. It is a common cultural joke that a lot of guys make about their wives going shopping, spending money, etc. But mine is just the opposite. I have to practically make her purchase something for herself that is not a necessity. She has truly been my greatest human example of seeing Christ's nature: "considering others more significant than yourself," and "looking to not only your own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). That is a picture of my wife.

I'll use this week as an example. Last night after she made our dinner, took Kaylee to gymnastics, and put the kids to bed, she then went to the store and purchased bags and bags of food to cook. So, big deal, you may be thinking. It's Thanksgiving week, lots of wives are doing that. I know. And I am not trying to diminish others by complimenting my own. My point, however, is this. The bags of food she brought home last night were not for us. For the next three hours she cooked and prepared an entire meal for other families, one of which we will deliver this evening on our way to our Oasis house church party.

Two nights ago I walked into the kitchen after the kids had been put to bed, and I saw her at the table pouring over the Scriptures. I figured she was just getting a head start on her Sunday children's lesson, because she normally does her personal reading before she goes to sleep (like me). But she was not only reading, she was writing frantically as well. I kissed her and told her I would be upstairs doing some reading. About an hour later she came up and asked me to proofread a Christmas musical she had just written, some of which she is planning to teach to our kids at Oasis. Sometimes she gets these creative urges and just sits down and writes entire volumes of lessons or curricula. Amazing!

This is the woman God has given me. The Bible says that "a man who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22). Well, God has certainly found favor with me and He has treated me as good as He could have possibly treated me by giving me April.

I love you, April. You are the most beautiful person in this world to me.

Comments

[Des]

What a great tribute to your wife. God certainly has blessed you with a wonderful partner and helper. One of the things I appreciate about April as her brother in Christ, is that she always seems to serve with a glad heart. I guess that is the thing that I see. She has a servant's heart. Something we should all strive for. She is very articulate as well, and gifted to teach. It's funny that you mentioned how hard it is to get her to buy anything for herself. I find that true with my wife as well. Joni never wants to buy anything for herself. She is always thinking of others ahead of herself. We are two lucky guys. God has really blessed us with beautiful,Godly wives. Thank you Lord.

[Travis]

Make that three lucky guys! Emilie constantly amazes me. Today she could have taken a nap with me but used that time instead to set up a Good Gifts display because it hadn't gotten done due to a miscommunication. Instead of being resentful and annoyed, when she had to stop to go to a meeting and someone said it was too bad that she had to go back her response was "That's ok, I love this part of my job." She's also the opposite of the stereotype...its not unusual for her to ask me if its ok for her to spend $2 on a ball of yarn - usually for some project not for herself. I mean, it's only $2! But to her that's a major purchase for herself!

I'm constantly amazed at how God has blessed me with her. She's definately an example of Godliness to me!

[Jared]

Make that 4 lucky guys. Along with everything that has been said about wives, I can also say simply that my wife supports my butt while I'm back in school....all the while carrying our first child. She amazes me!
I can speak to some of what Chris is saying about April. I had the privilage of living with Chris and April for a little while in St. Louis before they moved and I witnessed a lot of what Chris is talking about with her.

[Amy]

I was just talking with my favorite Aunt last night and mentioned that I was incredibly thankful for time that I got to spend living with Chris and April. I will say that I have grown a tremendous amount since I've been able to call Oasis Meigs my home. But I think the most that I have grown has been from living inside a healthy, loving family. Watching two people actually love each other. Watching those same two people love their children, dicsipline their children, proactively teach their children, talk about Jesus with their children, be the church with their children.

I have said many times over that April is one of the most unselfish people in the world. Mostly for what Chris has described. And I measure myself by that standard and I know that I fail miserably when I look at that ruler. I've seen April fall asleep while sitting up - I can sleep just about anywhere, but you have to be exhausted to do that. I'm by far not that exhausted. I allow life to get me down. April just plows through because "it's the right thing to do." I don't know how many times I've heard her say that, but it has stuck with me and I know that it is a valuable lesson.

Okay, does it sound like I'm giving a eulogy? I hope not!!!!

I'm sooooo excited to see everyone this weekend.