The Best I Have to Give

I heard a preacher tell this joke from the pulpit: A woman came into a room and saw a man looking at her. Every time she looked over there he was staring at her. She finally went over to him and asked, “Why do you keep staring at me?.” He said, “You look like my 3rd wife.” She asked, “How many times have you been married?.” The answer: twice.

I went to a seminar where the speaker spoke kindly of his “1st wife”. He said that he called her that because they have been married for 52 years and they weren’t sure if it was going to work out yet. Ha!

I have been married for 31 years to the kindest man. He shows that he cares about me in so many ways. He says “I love you” every day, lots of hugs and kisses. He likes to bring me things to see the smile on my face. He has poured out his heart in poems for me, built me things and has tried to keep up with my “needs”:)

The most challenging thing in my marriage has not been Jerry. It has been me. Who am I? Not only that but who am I with HIM? When you are single you can figure out who you are by yourself. When you are married you have to figure that out together. I have had a great need for peace in my life. I have let some things go in our life to honor that need for peace in my life. I have acquiesced about money, relationships, how to spend our time…who am I when we are together? I gave my feelings of inadequacy to God over and over and He helped me through many difficult times. I felt that I was lacking in many areas of my life. I felt a need for more education, my BA was not that far away, but I didn’t feel that I could be a great parent AND a great student. So I chose being a great parent!

If I would have chosen to live as a single woman I would have missed out on a lot. I would have been much more selfish than I am now and maybe gone to school but I would have missed the education of a life time learning about people and relationships, raising children, being ME with HIM. I wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing the most amazing people on earth! Jerry who has given more than he had to give in so many ways, always stretching and growing. Phil, who is the most creative thinker I know with a willingness to share his gift of harmony and be authentic with others. Joella, who has a bright spirit that brings strength and joy to others and a heart that keeps on giving. Paul whos intelligence is outweighed only by his gregarious nature and genuineness that draws people to him. Katie, who blesses others through her gift of writing, her strength of character and intelligence. Cortney who has a strength and maturity beyond her years but is always humble, wise and Gods light to so many people. And of course my four granddaughters: Belle, Gabby, Lily and Juliet – perfect in every way.

I am who I am because of these precious people. And they are who they are because of me. Who could ask for more?