I love my husband. He speaks life into my weariness and watches over my heart as if it were his own. When the crumbling begins, he comes alongside me to tenderly cradle my pain and to keep it safe from further intrusion. I cannot measure the worthiness of such a gift. Over the course of our marriage, even well before we said our “I do’s,” my Billy was loving me the Jesus way—the Ephesians 5:25 way. Without his protection and his careful attention to the details of the “all” that makes up me, I’d be off-balance and more confused. I’d be lesser of a woman, lesser of God’s woman, and I would be lonely. Thank God for the good sense that fostered my saying, “I do” nearly fifteen years ago. Thank God for the current emotions that have finally caught up to my reasoned decision back then.
Billy and I are in love. It’s an easy love these days, but this hasn’t always been the case. We’ve grown into our love, and today I thought it would be a worthy use of time (and ink) to reflect back on that day when I knew that I knew that I knew that I loved Billy Olsen. I thought maybe you’d like to come along for the ride.
The year was 1996. The autumn colors had just begun their descent onto the rolling hills of the Kentucky bluegrass. Soccer season was in full swing for my two young sons, adding to my burgeoning load as a single mother. My days were spent working at Asbury Theological Seminary; my nights spent managing the lives of my children. It was a good season of living for us, added to by the fact that a certain preacher-in-training had taken an interest in the three of us—a strong interest. At this point, Billy and I had been dating for several months. Early on, he professed his love for me; I, however, was a bit more cautious about declaring the intentions of my heart.
Until that day.
A call came into my office in the morning. Billy was checking on me and interested in seeing what our evening plans might include. Soccer and grocery shopping ranked high on the agenda. This wouldn’t be a good date night. Too much to do; too many responsibilities pressing their urgency into an already full schedule. There would be no wining and dining for us that evening. Just more of Billy living with the realities of dating a single mom. Romance would have to wait, or so it seemed. Prior to finishing the work day, I received a second call from Billy.
“Elaine, I know tonight isn’t a good night for us to get together. I know how busy and how tired you are. I’m fine with that, but do me a favor before heading out to soccer practice. When you get home from work, be sure to look in the trunk of your car. I’ve put a little surprise in there for you.”
I thanked him for his kindness and assured him of my cooperation. Billy was brilliant when it came to surprises. I, however, fell short of remembering to look for his that particular day. The afternoon routine quickly moved in and any prior anticipation about the contents of my trunk was buried beneath homework, soccer cleats, and the gathering of grocery coupons. It was only after my sons and I were buckled into the car and had begun our descent down the driveway that I remembered my surprise. I thought about delaying its unveiling until we reached our destination, but fearing that the surprise might wilt or melt, I put the car in park.
“Boys, we’ve got to check something before we leave. Billy left me a surprise in the trunk, and I need to get it out before we leave for practice.”
The three of us unbuckled our seatbelts and made our way around to the trunk. What could it be? What had his love for me done for me this time around? What measure of romance could he cram into the back of my ’94 Nissan Sentra? Would it really be enough to move me past my hesitation of love’s declaration and closer to saying “yes” to a forever with this preacher-in-training?
It was enough to move me, friends.
When I opened up the trunk, there wasn’t a bouquet of flowers awaiting my collection. No chocolate in sight. Nothing I could wear; no perfume to sweeten me. In fact, most would say there was nothing romantic about the gift inside, but I would say differently. That particular day, Billy Olsen surprised me with a token of love that emphasized his willingness to take care of my boys and me.
He’d done my grocery shopping… packed my trunk with many of the non-perishables that he knew we used on a regular basis. From cereal to soap to laundry detergent and beyond. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and in that single moment, my heart swelled with love for a preacher-in-training named Billy Olsen. On that day, I thought to myself…
Billy Olsen may not have a job yet; his hair is long, he hates wearing shoes, and his clothes are always wrinkled. Granted, without knowing his heart, I probably wouldn’t pick him out of a line-up as future-husband material. But I’m pretty sure that his love for me will keep him doing these kinds of things for me for a long time. When I’m eighty, he’ll still be going to the grocery for me; he’s still going to watch over me, maybe even change my diapers if need be. Billy Olsen is the keeping kind. The real deal. He won’t let me down. He’s always going to love me and my boys, no matter the cost. Billy Olsen is here to stay.
Billy’s generosity that day had been the best kind of loving, sweetest kind of romance moment that I had ever been given. And here he is, some fifteen years later, loving and serving our marriage with the same level of genuine romance that was displayed on that autumn night during our courtin’ days. Billy still calls to check on me, goes to the grocery for me, and has (on occasion) had to lend a hand at cleaning me. I don’t mind telling you this, because I happen to think that I’ve snatched one of the last good, godly men left on this earth. If every man would love his wife this way—the way that Christ loves the church—then there would be far more women willing to love the same.
Billy and I share a good love. I probably could have survived with less, but God saw to it that I would flourish with more. Our love feels like life and grace and hope to my heart, and I’m so grateful that I get to wrap my arms around its tender comfort today.
And Billy… if you’re reading this… would you mind picking up some milk, eggs, butter, and a full box of encouragement on your way home? No one can stock a pantry… no man can strengthen a heart quite like you! I love you, my preacher-for-real.
~elaine
When has someone filled your “trunk” with love? How might you do the same for someone else this week?
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful love. May God continue to bless you and Billy daily. I love you my friend. Praying your check-up went well today.
Elaine, I love your story- you're blessed with a great man! 🙂
I love that kind of love!
Give that man a hug for me, thank him for loving my dear Elaine friend so well. Loved this.
I'm thinking Billy will feel like these words are filling the trunk of his heart.
Delightful! I would love to be a mouse in the corner (or trunk) when Billy reads this. I can almost see his grin from here.
No wonder he calls you "wife for the journey"!
You already know that I love reading your posts, but I have to tell you, this one might just be my favorite! When I met Brian I had a little girl, and like you, I wasn't quite so quick to allow myself to fall in love….but there came a day when I realized he would always be there…not just for me, but for my daughter too. And here we are 31+ years (and many kids)later, still very much in love….and he's the best shopper I ever met…though it sounds like your Billy could be a close second! hahaha
Oh Elaine I can't tell you how this warmed my heart. What a gift the Lord has given you with this man. I love that he bought those groceries for you! I love the he still does and that he cares for you with such tenderness. Yes, you are blessed indeed.
I too have been soo blessed, and came with a son as well. I too hesitated some, afraid to risk my heart. And yet the giving of my heart gave me more in return then I would have ever dared hope. And I just had to laugh about the "grocery list" for Billy on his way home. I just called my hubby before I picked up this lap top and said, "Do you mind stopping at the store on your way home? I need a couple of things to make a cake for Katie tomorrow morning." His day started early, he still had a drive in front of him, and he still said to me, "Sure honey, need anything else?" I sincerely feel that God showed me some of His best love and blessings when he gave me that man.
Hope you had a good day!
I wish you could see the smile on my face. What a beautiful story!
I just loved this, sounds like you got the real deal with this guy. You are truely blessed
That is a wonderful history! I remember when Anthony and I were dating. I was sick and he drove in the snow to buy me some Nyquil and flowers. It melted my heart for sure! Thanks for making me remember!
Ya just gotta love it when "current emotions finally catch up to reasoned decisions"!
These reflections warm the cockles of my heart and stir up some fresh emotion in me re. MY reasoned decision.
God bless you both, Elaine.
wifeforthejourney:
Wow. How humbled I am to find my own "trunk" filled this morning with just what I needed to hear. Would that I was the ideal man who could always anticipate your needs and provide for each one as they come. You are gracious and generous with your words of love and encouragement – and how could I ever give account of your many labors for our church?
Ours is, I think, a generous relationship. For all I have ever given, I've always gotten back more. Being a husband? Easy. I get you. Being an instant-dad? Nick and Colton are more than I could have ever hoped for – then you add Jadon and Amelia? "Being us" hasn't always been easy, but it's sure not dull!
God help me to continue to live generously, unafraid of ever having less for myself. Still counting down to the Golden Anniversary and loving it!
~ Billy
What a great story, Elaine — and I loved the way you ended it by asking Billy to stop at the store again for you! 🙂
By the way, Don declared his love for me right off the bat, too, but I was like you — I moved more slowly. I felt like it was way too important a thing to say to throw it out there too quickly. Guess we were so irresistable, our guys just couldn't wait, huh? 🙂
What a beautiful story of love Elaine; genuine, sincere and absolutely godly. Thank you for this wonderful testimony.
Have a Blessed Day!
I loved your story. I have been divorced for forty three years. I raised four children alone. I don't even know a man of God like that. I didn't know they even existed. Thank you for sharing you give me hope.I hope you always remember how blessed you are.
Glenda Parker
http://glendaparkerfictionwriter.blogspot.com
Even without reading this story, I never doubted your Billy was this kind of man. And long before you or Billy were born, God had already written this story in His book, knowing that someday the cancer would come, and this man would be His way of making sure that healing is brought into your life moment by moment, day by day, week by week…
until the healing is complete… and I sense you are getting there sooner than you think.
Reading this post makes me miss my Ernie.
He too, dear Elaine, is one of the few good, kind, humble,Godly men left on this earth.
Elaine, may I invite you to walk with me a while as I tell you a special story? It's about my tribute to Ernie on our very last wedding anniversary, written when I had no idea it was going to be our last…
Given Wings
http://mla-crownofglory.blogspot.com/2008/03/given-wings.html
Much love
Lidia
Tears of joy – what a very precious story. Billy Olsen was and is a man who often does his "preaching" with actions, and not just words.
What a lovely husband – I celebrate with you the rare treasure of a godly, giving man.
GOD BLESS!
(P.S. I posted something today about the "dry places" – your last post really triggered some thoughts for me. I hope you don't mind, I included a link back to your post, "When the Words Won't Come" – xo)
What a beautiful love story. What a perfect fit of two people. The two of you are so inspiring!!
Living in His Embrace-Pamela
What a beautiful story! Wish there was another good man left for me! 🙂
What a lovely post! The love of a good man is a great blessing. I'm happy for you. I have a pretty good one myself.
Love this story. Your Billy and my Bill…the best of the best!
your love makes my heart SING!
Blessed to be a blessing…
thanks for sharing your blessings
patrina <")>><
Elaine this was positively an endearing love story that has kept on keeping on! What a blessing! My husband is wonderful at taking care of me too but in different ways. We both are blessed in our marriages Elaine! Thanks for sharing this part of your life today!!
Marilyn
Tears, tears, tears–the best kind though. This is better than watching some chick flick. Thank you for sharing such a personal and romantic story. That was a good year–1996–it was the year I met the man who would be my husband. I know I should answer your question about filling the trunk, but I think your husband trumped all my stories.
Beautiful sharing Elaine! Beautiful tribute to a marriage really made in Heaven. I am also blessed to have one of those precious gifts as well in a hubby and a marriage!