Thankful Thursday: For My Man.

All too often, no matter how far his efforts go, I never seem to be satisfied with my husband’s attempts to make my life easier. Instead, I am in the habit of criticizing every little thing he does, or does not do, that “hurts my feelings.” Really, they’re just things that make me pout and pity myself for not marrying Mr. Perfect.

Over the last few months, I find myself being tapped on the shoulder by the Holy Spirit whenever this critical spirit rises up in me. For every critical thought that pops up, at least ten images of Levi’s consideration and love flash in front of my mind’s eye. So, today, I am dedicating my thankful post to my imperfectly wonderful husband.

I am thankful I married a man…

…who really does love and accept me unconditionally. Whenever I ask him if I annoy him, his response has always been “How could you annoy me?” And he means it.

…who is honest. I can always count on Levi to be a truth-teller, even when it hurts.

…who almost never criticizes me, though I deserve it pretty often!

…who can make me laugh so hard, I cry.

…who listens to my endless ramblings, even if most of it goes in one ear and out the other. He shuts up and lets me talk as long as I need to, about whatever I need to.

…who rarely puts on his “fix-it” hat when what I really need is a shoulder.

…who is truly my very best friend. There is nothing I cannot talk to him about. Even if he doesn’t understand, he makes it clear that he will always be around.

…who is the personification of loyalty. I have never, without exception, met anyone as fiercely loyal as Levi. He is a man who keeps his word, no matter what.

…who believes in marriage.

…who loves his kids. He plays with them everyday, and makes sure each one of them get hugs, kisses, and an “I love you” before he leaves the house. Even if he’s just running around the corner to the store.

…who knows how to make some seriously good pizza dough.

…who holds me close.

…who has learned to empty AND load the dishwasher. There is nothing sexier than a man who can do dishes!

…who supports my birth junkie status, and loves that I’ve found a niche for myself like this, and doesn’t complain when I have to go to a birth or teach a class. He’s my armchair doula, too.

…who knows what it means to be a good provider. He’s a man who puts bread on the table, and is always around to eat it with us.

…who has his own way of being romantic.

…who is intelligent, funny, unique, stubborn, Godly, 100% real, open, manly, geeky, wise, and good.

Levi, I really do thank God for you everyday of my life, and I would marry you all over again if you asked me to. I wouldn’t change a thing about you, even if I could. I accept you and love you for who God made you to be, and I don’t ever want you to doubt that. Words aren’t much, I know, but they’re a start. Forgive me for being less than grateful for you, and for being too quick to criticize your love for me. You are my man, and you always will be. I look up to you and respect you more everyday – may I live in such a way that you never doubt that again.

I know I tell you all the time that you’re lucky I love you, but I really think it’s the other way around. I’m lucky you love me.

For more thankful posts, visit October’s host, at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.