Why I Love Him

In honor of the special day this week (no, not Valentine's Day, although that may be a special day for you... I'm talking about the 8th anniversary of the day Doug asked me to marry him... February 11th, 2000), I'd like to list out some of the reasons why I love this incredible man God gave me. It's not a complete list, but it's representative of the amazing man he is.

AS A FATHER:
  • He teaches them about God and leads in spiritual things (Bible reading, prayer, and memorization).
  • He gives extra-long snuggles to our kids when they are sad or sick.
  • He gets down on the floor and plays cars or trains and is totally silly with our boys.
  • He admires and is ultra-sweet to our daughter, telling her she's pretty and that he loves her, and he takes interest in the things she's doing.
  • He knows how to use and wash cloth diapers (amazing!), and doesn't resent it or gripe about it (even MORE amazing!).
  • He loves EACH child we have, as an individual, and like me, is open to having more.
  • I love that he's always had a heart for adoption. Even if we never get to adopt, I love that he tears up when he hears an adoption story, just like me.
  • He teaches the kids to respect me, in words and action.
  • He can act totally silly and dance crazy or play games with the kids.
  • I love that he gets emotional about our children.
AS A MAN:
  • He is a man of measured words... when he says something, it's worth hearing.
  • He loves to read and we talk about what we're reading together.
  • He studies and memorizes the Word of God (seriously, y'all, he's amazing at this. He has so much scripture memorized, and he leads us in family memorization, too).
  • He can make a MEAN jug of sweet tea. :)
  • I love that he leads in family "Bible Time", nearly every night.
AS A HUSBAND:
  • I love that he really, really loves me. (This may seem self-focused, but the truth is, it's actually a biblical picture of love-- we love Christ because He loved us first... the same is true for Doug & I.)
  • Though neither of us had perfect pasts, we both saved ourselves for each other, and I LOVE that we aren't worried about comparing each other to other people.
  • He is very intentional about being faithful to me-- in action, word, and thought.
  • He'll rub my feet whenever I ask, and has offered many, many times when I haven't asked.
  • I love that he will watch the movies I like and actually interact with me about them (like Jane Austen kind of stuff-- WHAT a guy!).
  • I love that he is willing to do things around the house too, so that we can have time together in the evenings once the kids go to bed.
  • I love that we both crack each other up. I don't know if anyone else would find either of us very funny, but we each can make each other laugh in ways that no one else can.
  • I love that he's a good surpriser... big and small, he's surprised me so many times!
  • I know that he loves me, because he apparently talks about me a lot when we're not together and other people tell me so.
  • I love that he remembers special days and consistently does special things to celebrate.
  • I love that he is willing to wash out the poopy cloth diapers (reminds me of Martin Luther) because I'm Mrs. Pregnant "Bionic Nose" right now (yes, that's what he calls me).
  • He communicates with me about our relationship-- what's going well, if there are any struggles, etc., and then is willing to make changes with me so that we can improve our marriage.
  • He truly wants to and strives to love me like Christ loves the church.
  • He's the most fun, most interesting, most attractive, most kind man I've ever known.

And honestly, there's so much more. But this gives a glimpse into our marriage and life together. Like Solomon's bride described her husband in Song of Solomon 3, this is "him whom my soul loves"... and I will always be grateful to God for this incredible man that I get to be one with. :)

20 comments:

Kim said...

What I love about Doug is that he is carrying Maranatha's sippy cup in his pocket.

Also, that he makes you so happy. :) I pray for the patience to wait for that!

Also, we should get to hear the proposal story... ;)

Anonymous said...

Awwww... what a sweet post!
:)
Emily

Untangling Tales said...

I *love* these kinds of posts.

Such a nice change from the wives who play if-only.

(I did one once while DH was traveling and I was feeling all wistful for him.)

Anonymous said...

LOl sippy cup was totally the first thing I noticed too! I must have toddlers on the brain :)

What a lovely post Jess - you inspired me halfway through to find and kiss my hubby (he was dividing his attention between cuddling a sleepy baby, working on our business, and a game of online chess with his dad - and they say only women can multitask!). Husbands are the best!

I second the call for the proposal story!

-Claire

Rebekah said...

Jess,
How good God is to shower his grace upon us as he does! What grace that he's given you such a wonderful husband. You are very blessed, and from what I can see, I think he's pretty blessed too! :>

Anonymous said...

That's wonderful, Jess...just like it should be.

That's how it is for me and my husband, too. (Cloth diapers and all.)

Jules said...

This was nice! He sounds like a really great guy. I also noticed the sippy cup and felt my heart go a-flutter! ;)

Kim said...

P.S. We as a small group are doing a study on Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Whitney - I just noticed it on your sidebar! I myself am not reading it, but am enjoying studying it (I need to read it, I just haven't found the time to go get it!). I'd love to hear your thoughts on it sometime!

Anonymous said...

sniff, sniff...wipe, wipe.

Catherine R. said...

That's really great, Jess. Not to be a party pooper but I'm sure he's not perfect and you could probably say some "constructive criticism" if you really wanted to, but clearly you choose to focus on the positives and truly appreciate them. That says something good about you. Then again, who knows, maybe he is perfect. : P

Anonymous said...

How refreshing! It's nice to hear how much a woman loves her husband rather than the list of small things that get under our skin. I have really made an effort to focus on the blessings in life. And that includes the fabulous man God created just for me!! Love the sippy cup too.

Gina said...

Happy anniversary! Great post. Sounds like a godly man you have there.

Amanda said...

Great post. :)

Unknown said...

this is a really sweet post and has inspired me to write one for my husband so thank you ;)

Michelle Maddocks said...

How very encouraging! You're a good example for so many.

Elspeth said...

What a sweet and loving tribute to your husband. I'm sure he'd say that HE's the lucky one. Happy Valentine's Day!

Unknown said...

very beautiful post - so nice to see women who uplift their husbands, rather than just trash them!! :)

Unknown said...

What a great guy! You are so blessed, as are your children.

Very refreshing read, I'm blessed by a godly man also. That's a love to cherish!

Mary at Home-steeped Hope

Lylah Ledner said...

very ~ very precious - what the world is longing to see.

blessings on you and your marriage and your growing family. lylah

mamabeck said...

You honor your husband beautifully.

Blessings,
beck