Bonovox

Maybe its because it was St. Valentines Day, and Shamassey Kelley and I were able to go to dinner by ourselves for the first time in over a year and a half.  Maybe, its because this is the year of our 10th Anniversary, so everything this year is special. (and as Kelley is nursing Luke, as she has done all the children to some extent, we will not be going away for our anniversary in June).  Maybe because I am writing a paper on "Gender and Christianity," and have just read St. John Chrysostom's words on servant leadership in the home.

So if you think that the wife is the loser because she is told to fear her husband, remember that the principal duty of love is assigned to the husband, and you will see that it is her gain. "And what if my wife refuses to obey me?" a husband will ask. Never mind! Your obligation is to love her; do your duty!

Maybe its because I have seen my wife over the past three weeks as she has battled sickness with just about everyone of our kids.

Whatever it is, my heart swells with love for this woman.  She would shudder, to hear me use her name and the reference "Proverbs 31" in the same sentence.  But, many of those aspects, describe her.  "May her children rise up to call her blessed!"

I always tell whomever will listen, that God has used two things to save me: His Holy Orthodoxy Church, AND this Holy (Orthodox) Woman.  I don't know where I would be without her.  Is that "dysfunctional?"  I don't think so.  Why else does God give us to each other, but to save us?  IN fact my advice to a young person, when deciding whether to marry someone, is to ask, "Can I be SAVED with this person?"

Where do I begin to laud her praises?  I am a better man, because of her love for me!  I have learned so much; so much more then I have taught her, pedagogical as I tend to be.

And these children, she has given me!  What a blessing!  There is nothing greater that anyone could have done for me, then to bear these children.

I believe that I cannot be saved without askesis.  But God knows that I am weak.  I will not take on voluntary suffering.  I won't even rise 1/2 hour early to pray!  But, God in his mercy, has given me this woman, and the desire to struggle for her.  I try to be obedient to her (Yes, Orthodox men are taught to "obey" too!).  I know I still need to struggle with my will, but God gives to those who are weak, as they are able.

If you see my wife, please remind her that she has a husband who is eternally grateful for her.  God is the giver of all good things!