I want to be like my wife
She's everything I am not. Extroverted. Outspoken. Caring. Orderly. Organized. Prompt. Passionate.
In Orthodoxy, there is advice that we give single people, when they are looking at someone as a prospective spouse: "Can I be saved with this person?" I had begun to date Kelley prior to our becoming Orthodox, so I was unaware of the maxim. Yet, I intuitively (The Holy Spirit?) asked myself that, if not in those words, or in any words. And the answer is unequivocally, "YES!" Actually, I don't know how I can be saved WITHOUT her. Fortunately for us Orthodox, "union with all men," is part of the deal. The only thing you can do on your own, is go to hell......to be saved you need "others."
I thank God everyday for two things....the Orthodox faith, and my faithful wife. I am grateful for all that she does for me and my children. I do not express that to her enough. I am not good at buying gifts, or writing love notes or being thoughtful. I am oblivious to her needs and take her for granted. The woman gave up a great career to stay home and raise our children, a sacrifice I pray that they sometime understand and appreciate. She puts in a 14 hour day, 7 days a week. I encouraged her to homeschool, and she was willing to try, facing ostracization from people who think she is unworthy to teach her own kids. She has been looked down on because she is "JUST a wife and mother."
And as ludicrous as it seems to me, she loves me and supports me! Sell the house and move in a 3 bedroom apt. and got to seminary for three years? "Sure hon, if its God's will for us...." When we first got married, and I wanted us to become Orthodox, she used to joke to family and friends, "Well, its not like he's asking me to move to Alaska or anything....." ( !!! ) As a deacon's wife, she is a "Sunday Widow." She has to dress 4 kids, feed the babies and load them into the car without my help. And I am not available either to help chase Luke all over the nave. (Thank God for god-parents!)
Dear God, thank you for my wife. Please make me worthy of her love. Amen.
Deacon Raphael
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Now, where's my flowers? :)
XO - me
Do you have to approve comments before they are posted? I posted one earlier today on this entry, and I hasn't shown up yet? I think it may have gotten lost in cyberspace!
"Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
' Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.'"
(Proverbs 31:10-11, 26-29, NJKV)
I am similarly blessed. For 18 years, my wife has followed me through two career changes, halfway around the world and back, and has made (and continues to make) great sacrifices for me and our children).
She has also been a “Sunday widow” for several years and has to dress and get ready three of our children each Sunday. (Fortunately, our oldest is nearly 17 and can get herself ready). She spends an average of half each Divine Liturgy in the “cry room.”
May the Lord bless you both and grant you many years!
A Proverbs 31 wife, although poorly,I am able only because of FDR (and by God's grace)
Lord Have mercy!