It’s nearly a new day.
Nearly.
Before I say good-bye to January 30, 2009, I wanted you know that I loved it … this day given to me simply because God’s grace allowed it.
By his breath, he has sustained me and measured my steps accordingly. Not because he had to, but rather because he delights in giving good gifts to his children. And while every day should be chronicled with my glad tidings and thankful cheer, most of them slip by without notice and without applause.
I should do better with my gratitude. Not because I have to, but rather because it is my privilege to do so. Thus, allow me a moment to tell you what I loved most about this day.
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- It wasn’t the trip to Raleigh to pick up the “Esther” books at the Lifeway store or the new Meredith Andrews CD that I managed to sneak into the pile at the check-out counter.
- It wasn’t the extra visit to Kohl’s where I was able to pick up a good bargain on a black jacket.
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- It wasn’t the stop at Andy’s on the way back into town for the $4.99 cheeseburger special, complete with crispy fries and a diet coke.
- It wasn’t the trip to Wilson to watch my senior son play basketball, although he did make my heart skip a beat or two.
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- It wasn’t the Parker’s barbeque or the accompanying hush puppies while on my way to Wilson.
- It wasn’t even the return of my college-age son who’s been MIA for three weeks now, although he’s always a good punctuation to a weary week.
No, the best part of my day wasn’t measured by the doing and partaking of all these things. Indeed, they were good, and I loved them each one. But what made them even better, what made them cause me to sit back and find a moment or two or even ten of thankful pause, was the fact that I shared them all with the man I call husband. The man who took my hand a season back, along with the hands of my two young sons, and promised to take care of us all of the days of his life and ours.
It’s not our anniversary. Today is not a day of any calendared significance in the lives of Billy and Elaine. It was simply a day that we shared with one another, rather than living our separate identities as is so often the case.
We laughed together. We walked together. We ate together. We worshipped God together with our new CD’s. We cheered together. We even yelled at the game officials together. We rode home together. We close this day together.
Together is a good way to spend a day. It’s a good way to love a day. It’s not always been the way I walk my days, but today? Well, today I did better at loving and at being in love. Today I stepped in rhythm with the man who’s been keeping pace with me for nearly twelve years now.
Not because he has to, but rather because he delights in being God’s good and gracious gift to me.
I didn’t deserve his love. There are times when I’m most confident that he doesn’t deserve mine. Still and yet, we choose to do love … to live love … to fight for our love because we love the life that God has given us together.
Indeed, I am a blessed woman who loved her day. I hope you loved yours. If not, there’s still time. Another day rests within your reach. Find someone you love and do some doing together. Let not today slip by without your notice or without the applause of your gratitude. This is the day that our God has made for you. He’s entrusted you with its unfolding.
Live it well. Love it better. And do it all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is your sacred privilege to do so.
As always,
~elaine
Gratitude is a privilege and when we take a good hard look at the beauty of what we have been given – we can see “The Presence of Royalty” in our lives. Rejoicing in your simple expression of gratitude and looking with anticipation to my heart’s thankful cry today.
Blessings to you!
Denise
Loved the video, music and words. I’m so glad you had a great day with your husband. Gratitude is good for the soul and such a great heart choice. I pray that one day my hubby will also worship our Lord.
Loved that pic of the 2 of you being splashed with sunshine…loved this post…so true…I do so love to watch..be beside my hubby worshipping God…and he is a worshipper! Have a great day.
Love, Sita
What a beautiful post!! I don’t appreciate my man nearly enough, although I am better at it than I was for many years. God bless your sweet man!! I know from personal experience that it is one of the most difficult things in the world to marry a person with children and love them as your own. Not sure I have yet attained that love but am closer than ever.
Have a blessed day!!
Leah
The ever-tightening threads of oneness. What a beautiful reflection, and what an even more beautiful affirmation of love.
Kathleen
BEAUTIFUL Elaine. And what a wonderful reminder to be thankful for our spouses and for every minute of every day we have here…..
I think you know how I feel about spending time with my man. In fact, I’m planning to do just that today! It truly is the seasoning that will flavor a day to perfection.
So pleased for your delicious day.
Hugs friend,
Melinda
I enjoyed reading about your day together. My husband and I have spent lots of days together since 1/1/09. He had a serious ski accident that day. We have lots more “togetherness” ahead.
Adding you to my blogroll.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
Beautiful post girl….a lovely tribute to God and your man.
Loved the song…I have never heard it before.
Worshiping with our spouse does something amazing to the heart of a woman. It brings such intimacy.
Glad you had a beautiful day.
So much truth here, Elaine. Thank you for reminding me to rejoice in my husband. I enjoyed your day along with you, my friend.
A wonderful post Elaine….so thought provoking. On a recent post of mine I said that anniversaries are not a day but they are the moments of your life. The moments when you look at someone and realize that this IS what it’s all about. This is love and it is truly God’s greatest gift to us. blessings, marlene
I love pausing with you as you share your praise with us. A day of worth, for sure, friend.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Oh Elaine, I am so happy for you, having such a wonderful husband! Praise God for him every day!
So glad you had an awesome day!! It is good to spend time together just the two of you every now and again – even if it is just doing the mundane things of life! Those are some of Eric’s and mine’s best times together!
I too had a great day! Eric and I, and 4 other adults took a group of teens up to Cleveland for Winter Jam – a Christian Concert sponsored by New Song. It was awesome to be there not only with Eric, but also with Anna as she freely worshipped with her friends. I had to stop and pause for a few moments to take it in as I watched this beautiful group of girls jump, clap, shout and sing praises. What a privilege to share this with them!!
Although the groups were not those that Eric would normally listen to (Toby Mac – who I love!!,Hawk Nelson, etc.) I think he still enjoyed it and most especially watching his 40+ wife trying to keep up with the kids!! By the end of the evening (1:00 a.m.) I was exhausted, but it was a good tired. I had been with people I love, young and old, and most importantly I had been with God!!!
Keep making time for your beloved Billy!!
Love ya!
Lori
One of the unexpected blessings we’ve enjoyed over the last couple of years has been the opportunity for Bill and I to spend quality time together. Not on expensive dates , but in our everyday lives. Running errands, grabbing a hotdog, walking at the park…even riding in that ol’ pickup truck of his on the way to the dump…It’s not about fancy restaurants or extravagant gifts. Rather, it’s about laughter, tears, communication, honesty, and genuine love and respect for each other. I absolutely love that time with him!
The circumstances that allowed us to spend that time together were very stressful, challenging times. But, in the midst of that, God showed us the benefit and blessing of precious time with one another!
Yes, I have seen Bill’s tears during worship. It blesses me beyond words. I praise God for a godly husband!
What a great day you and Billy had! So happy you were able to spend that time with one another.
Burger, fries, Diet Coke…yummm! I notice that you didn’t mention any chocolate, though…you’re slipping, girl. LOL
Blessings…
Beautifully expressed, Elaine. I confess that I do not often appreciate time with my husband; in fact, I often wish for “alone” time, and I have been praying lately for the desire to WANT to spend time with my husband. Thanks for a timely post.
My heart skipped a beat in the joy of this shared day. I understand. It is the simple things that, when we slow to recognize their significance, become holy.
luv ya,
laura
You are blessed indeed. Yet, you do not need anyone to tell you that. I can hear (read) it in your joy. You have something very special and rare. May it always be a treasure and gratitude lived out each day…with you, I know it will.
Love,
Paula
Beautiful and tender post! Thank you for this gentle reminder to appreciate the gift of our spouses. Seeing life through eyes of gratitude is so very sweet.
Blessings,
Tracy
Yes…I know this joy. Last night my husband and I got away and ran errands, ate out, bought a sleep number mattress, dreamed (we are so good at dreaming together) …and we did this together, no kids. It had been so long and it was such a treasure.
I treasure Him like I tresure my Lord. I do know your heart here.
In His Graces~Pamela
Aww that’s so sweet!
I just wanted to come by and say congratulations for being one of the Internet Cafe’s Top 100 Christian Women’s Blogs of 2008! You are truly a blessing. Thank you for the many ways that you serve!
Hey Elaine,
Just popping by to say “Congrats!”…cuz I nominated u! yay!
Elaine,
I loved reading about why you loved your day! I love having a day with my husband when we don’t have a deadline or have to rush back for him to get off to work or whatever….just a day to enjoy being together.
Thanks for your good example!
We are “officially” starting Esther on Tuesday morning although I have already watched the into and session 1 DVDs and done a few of the lessons ….since I am supposed to be leading it I thought I’d try and get a “feel” for it. It’s going to be GREAT! I already love it!
Hope you have a great week!
Marilyn
This is lovely…it’s a pleasure to “meet” you. 🙂
Sounds like you had one terrific day, Elaine. And what a great reminder to live our lives in love…
Have a blessed week!
Your post gave me goose bumps! Oh… how sweet it is to be loved by our husbands… to be cherished… to be considered as a pleasant companion… and more!
(Hubby is home from Ethiopia! and yes, I did receive the package… Thank you! You are so generous! With my love!)
Hey! I saw you on Top 100 Christian Women’s Blogs 2008 on the Internet Cafe Devotions! I pray many others find your blog and find the same inspiration and encouragement that I have!
Congratulations on your award at the Internet Cafe….
You deserve it!
Julie
Elaine, I loved this post. I feel like much of our lives are lived separately as well… due to our different schedules. What a blessing to have him all to yourself for the entire day. I know that I cherished those days as well.
Blessings,
Lynn
This was a lovely post, Elaine, it made me think of my husband who was such a special man. I don’t think you have read much of my previous posts, but on Nov 23 last year, God took him home to heaven. Unexpected, but well, he’s finally home. We were happily married for 30 years. I praise God when I see stories like yours. He’s a blessing and a God-sent.
Elaine, thank you for stopping by earlier. I've enjoyed getting to know you through your posts. We have quite a few similarities: wanting our words to count for something; marriage to a man who has enriched my life more than I could have imagined; a day that is a blessing becuase of who I'm with rather than that what I've done; and so much more. Hope to stop by often for coffeee.