Marriage Monday

 "The distinction between Christians and the world should be crystal clear.  Not because we're better people or come from better upbringings.  In fact, we're not inherently any different from anyone else.  Our hearts would love to march to the same self-absorbed cadence that drives the rest of the world.  The only difference - the only difference - is Jesus."  

~Nancy Wolgemuth, "Adorned:  Living out the Beauty of the Gospel Together"

March to the same self-absorbed cadence as the rest of the world?  I frequently make that choice.  But one of the least selfish people I know is my husband. I think that characteristic is one of the biggest reasons we are still married.  His giving of self is almost always quiet and hidden.  On Saturday, he made two trips into town (not an undertaking for the faint of heart).  The first trip was dedicated to navigating all of the stops needed to buy groceries.  We don't have a big super store, one-stop for everything.  He offered to go early so the girls and I could have time to exercise.

What we didn't know was that he was also going to have to fight the dragon of no water before he could go shopping.  Somehow the line from the house's pump to the water tank got turned off, so thankfully it was an easy fix.  Aaron humbly asked for help and saw the problem through to its conclusion.  Then off he went into town.  When he got home, we shoved the cold things into the fridge and set out again.  This time, the goal was to get pictures made for our visa renewal.  We're ready to turn in everything now - yippee!

  

My husband's unselfishness doesn't just pop up occasionally, it's an everyday occurrence.  Sunday morning, he offered to make "Boston Cake", a twist on the old classic cinnamon rolls.  He washed copious amounts of dishes.  All of these small acts of unselfish service add up to something big - a beautiful example for the rest of us to love and serve each other.

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  

Ephesians 5:1-2