When Sybil first approached me about writing for her blog, I
thought “is she serious?” After all, I
hate writing…I’d rather do just about anything else. As most people I know can attest, I’d much
rather have an actual conversation with people – about any topic – than try to
eloquently put my words on paper. It’s
about as enjoyable to me as watching golf on television would be to Sybil.
One year ago, almost to the day, Sybil told me that she was
going to start a blog. My immediate
reaction, I must admit, was one of near total shock. Now, my
wife and I have been married for nearly 13 years…and have been together for
over 18 years. There simply isn’t
anyone I know better than her.
Over the past couple of weeks since Sybil made this request,
a million different ideas have come to my head about what I should write. Should I write about how much I love my
wife? No, too sappy. Should I write about all the things we’ve
done together and my favorite experiences we’ve shared over the years? No, too hard to squeeze into a simple blog
post. Should I write about how perfect
my wife is for me? No….too gaggy. Should I write about how imperfect she is? Um, no…our couch isn’t comfortable enough for
me to sleep on for an extended period of time.
In honor of Sybil celebrating her birthday today, I thought I’d
take this opportunity to share a few of the many ways my beautiful wife has
changed – and a few things I’ve learned – in the past year, in no particular order, as a result of her
entering the “blog world.”
1. She’s had her life transformed by intentionally
bringing Christ into all that she does – at home, at work and everywhere in
between.
2. She’s becoming a social butterfly. The woman who used to avoid casual
conversation now hosts parties and Bible studies at our home, goes to concerts
with her friends, and more.
3. She’s become a true leader, from volunteering her
time to important committees to leading those she works when they need it most.
4. She’s learned how unbelievably rewarding it can
be to leap headfirst into something you’re normally scared to do when you’re
called to do it…starting this blog was just the beginning.
5. She’s learned how to make 50 different outfits
from two pairs of jeans, three button-up shirts and some duck tape. (Ok, no duck
tape….but it felt like a very “MacGyver” thing to add).
6. She’s become an even more amazing friend to those
in her life who, in the past year, have needed her to be there for them in ways
we could have never imagined.
7. With free time in her schedule now devoted to
the blog, she’s learned how to make the dishes and other chores that once used
to be “her responsibility” my responsibility.
Still not sure how I feel about this one….ask me next year at this time.
8. She’s become “the popular one” in our family. Everywhere I go nowadays people – many of
whom I don’t know all that well – tell me “I just love your wife’s blog” and “your
wife has really helped me with her blog.”
She’s even had national blogs and international authors ask her to
contribute to their works in the past year.
9. She’s the best cheerleader. When I started a new business a year and a
half ago, we knew it was a transition that would mean additional pressure on
our finances, quality family time, and more.
It’s not always easy but, with the start of this blog, S has found an
even greater appreciation for the time and energy I’ve put into the business
lately….and an understanding that makes it easy for me to pursue this passion. But nothing comes before our family, and…
10.
…she’s become an even better mom. Her ability to transparently share her heart
through her writing has led to an amazing ability to connect – through words
and on paper – with our children in an equally powerful way.
I am proud that Sybil is my wife…but I am even more proud to be
her husband. Never has that statement
been more true than it is after watching my wife over the past year.
Can’t wait to see that the next year has in
store for us…..Happy Birthday, Babe!
