Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Secret of Life


(Rob writing)

My wife Julia and I have been married for 20 years today, May 30, 2012.




Last week Julia was away at a home schooling convention for three days, trying to sell our BiblioPlan materials so that we can eke out our meager living. I almost never go with Julia to her conventions, for a very good reason: I stay away from sales because, as my old Dad used to say, I “couldn't sell new dollar bills for 50 cents apiece.” So all of the sales responsibilities fall upon poor Julia and our partner, while I remain behind to manage a task for which I am equally ill-suited-- taking care of our boys.

Near the end of Julia’s increasingly frequent absences, the boys and I begin to get desperate. All three boys are so sure I’m going to burn their supper that I practically have to drag them to the table by their collars. When they finally break down and join me, we all pray for Mom’s safe return, and we mean every word of those prayers. This past Saturday night, after spending three long, dreary days deprived of the light that my wife brings into my life, I looked at Ben and reminded him of something that I’ve known for more than 20 years now: “A good woman is the only thing that makes the life of a man worth living.”

If you’ve ever seen the Disney movie “Up,” then you’ll understand what I mean: Julia’s Ellie, and I’m Carl. Ellie is adventurous, talkative and vivacious, bursting with life and love. Compared to Ellie, Carl is cautious, silent and dull; but he does have one thing going for him: He appreciates the treasure that he’s found in Ellie. Carl’s greatest joy in life is listening to Ellie’s excited chatter about going on adventures and saving the world. Every time Ellie launches into one of her animated talks, Carl’s face takes on an expression of serene satisfaction-- as if he can’t believe how lucky he is to be the one guy in the world who gets to enjoy this unbelievably beautiful, inspiring woman.

That’s how I feel about my wife, too: I just can’t believe how lucky I am. She’s like a bottomless well of life and love, of faith and inspiration. However dull and dreary I become, Julia never fails to lighten my heart. I may doubt every other decision that I’ve ever made, but I never doubt that I love my wife, or that she loves me. Where I would be without her love, I don’t care to imagine.

26 comments:

  1. Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
    Rob.... you found a good thing :)

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  2. Happy anniversary! This is a beautiful tribute ( although I doubt that Captain Von Trapp is quite as dull as he makes himself to be...what a romantic to write this!)

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  3. Happy anniversary! Very sweet words!

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  4. Rob, you really know how to slay 'em. Congratulations to all of you on your anniversary.

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  5. Happy Anniversary to both of you. I love reading about your family and it sounds as if you have both found treasures in each other.

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  6. What a beautiful gift these words are to Julia!

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  7. Happy Anniversary to a COUPLE who will always remind me that God can do all things!! I hope you have many many more years together!!

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  8. Beautiful, Uncle Rob. I remember the day of your wedding 20 years ago probably better than I remember my own wedding. (is that weird?) Carl and Ellie are an apt comparison. I'm smiling all over after reading this.

    I'm so glad the Lord brought the two of you together! Happy anniversary!

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  9. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing, Rob!

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  10. What a sweet, sweet tribute this is for your lovely wife. Congratulations on your anniversary!

    By the way, do you give lessons? I think I need to send my other half over for some classes on expressing his heart! :)

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  11. This is the sweetest blog! I hope to one day find someone that cares for me as much as you care for each other! Happy 20th anniversary!

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  12. This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

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  13. For here you are, standing here, loving me, whether or not you should...... :-)
    I agree with Justine above; I don't believe that you are as dull as you describe yourself! I fully believe you are as great as you describe your Julia - and that you were clearly meant for each other. Happy Anniversary!

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  14. Happy Anniversary! Those were such sweet wonderful words by a caring husband. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. seriously, could this be any sweeter????

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  16. Oh My! Very well written. I think you are both treasures! (and I don't even know you guys!) Thanks for the beautiful testimony.

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  17. that was beautiful :).. happy anniversary to you both :)

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  18. You both are a great example of what God intended marriage to be like! Only 14 more years and my husband and I will be right where you are: in love and happy!

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  19. That is so sweet. You just made me cry - way to go :) God bless you both today...and in the future with many more years together doing His will!

    -Liza

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  20. Happy Anniversary..... Beautiful words!!! I know why she chose you. She had to find someone as equally amazing as her...

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  21. Happy Anniversary and may your Anniversary be wonderful in filled in love. Our wedding anniversary is also 20 years this year :O)) God bless Gary & Denise Davis www.nachalaadopt.blogspot.com

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  22. What a precious gift you are to each other! Happy Anniversary!

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  23. How good to read the words of a loving husband and father. Seems like you are a writer too!! : ) Many blessings in the years to come.--Karen and Jeff Barnes

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  24. And I must say THANK YOU for the sacrifice you make in sharing your wife with others. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting her at the convention in Memphis. She spent a long time with me, helping me try to figure out which books to buy for each child (I have six). I was so thankful for her insight and direction. We also had another mom at the booth when we all began chatting about Reece's Rainbow. (We both had adopted children!) Not only did I get to purchase a GREAT curriculum that day, but I met a couple of Godly and compassionate women who inspired me! Thank you!

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Loving words from kind people make our hearts glad!