I love you, Jon February 9, 2009

As we approach Valentine’s Day, we wanted to pause our “Do Hard Things” series to talk about the love of our life.  We pray that as we honor our own husband, those of you who are married will be freshly reminded of the precious gift your husband is to you.  If you are single, may God stir your heart to patiently trust Him to bring the man of His choice into your life! He will be worth the wait.

Jon and I have been married almost 14 years.  When we first met, I was coming out of a very difficult season of divorce, the death of a baby daughter and more.  I really wasn’t looking for a husband and was content and joyful to live alone.  But God had other plans for me – wonderful, amazing plans.

After we were engaged Jon and I began our marriage counseling with Danny Jones (thank you, thank you Danny!).  I will never forget going through some of the book Love That Lasts. One of the chapters discussed the characteristics of a godly husband.

I remember first reading those words and thinking how these things were incomprehensible to me.  This was a picture of a marriage to a godly husband that I had never imagined could exist.  During that time, the Lord began to show me that this was His plan and that yes, these things could be true.  I am sad to say that many days I forget to look at this beautiful picture the Lord gave me and the character which is really important, focusing instead on the sin of my husband and how my selfish desires are not being met.

My husband is a godly man who puts Jesus first in his life.  He loves His Savior and His Church with all his heart.  The desire of his heart is to glorify God.  I could stop right there, for that is enough to last a lifetime, but there is more.   He is continually seeking to grow, change and become more like his Savior.  He knows he is a sinner and is quick to seek counsel and even correction.   He has always invited others into his life.  He continues to strive to be more humble, more patient and more gentle.  He is not content to stay the same.  And even more amazing is the fact that he loves me in spite of my sin and wants to grow old with me.

I could go on and on, but those are things I should share with just him.

I want to thank our Lord for giving me the privledge of sharing my life with this man.  Happy Valentine’s Day,  Jon!  You are truly more than I ever asked for or imagined.

Posted by Elyse