Last night, as I lay in bed in our little California apartment, I observed the stillness of the room.
The house was quiet, the lights were dim. The calmness was framed only by the outside noise – birds chirping and sirens racing, and inside, the clicking and clacking of John on his keyboard in the next room.
Somewhere in-between the city sounds, I fell asleep, only to be soon awakened by John’s arm slipping under my neck, as he nestled his shoulder under my head. My favorite place.
As we curled up, sinking into the center of our bed, shadowed by moonlight, his voice brought the room to life.
“What do you love most about marriage, baby girl?” he whispered in my ear.
I smiled a sleepy smile. Rarely does he ask probing questions like that.
I opened my eyes, and looked up at this strong jawline, thinking for a minute.
“Not all at once, ” he joked.
So many favorite things raced through my mind… our adventures, the security he wants to provide, his jokes, someone to cook for and watch the latest episode of Modern Family with…
But better than his companionship are his convictions.
“The way you love me,” I answered.
He smiled a sleepy smile.
“The way you serve me,” I continued. “The way you get up after we’re tucked in to get me a glass of water when I ask for one. The way put away all the dishes on the tallest shelves knowing I can’t reach them, without being asked. In all the little ways you love me and put my needs above your own.”
As I drifted back to sleep, in the arms of this amazing man who I prayed for since I was 12, I thought, “Could he answer that question the same way? Would his favorite part about marriage be the way I love him?”
Selflessness is the key to marriage. I say all this not because I desire a husband who serves me, but the fact that he loves me like Christ loves the church, is all a girl can ask for. I am so grateful for this guy. He lays down his life for me, even when I am being selfish. He’s a constant reminder and example of the spouse I want to be.
Happy Wednesday, friends. Here’s to being selfless to our spouses and serving them.
René
