a wonderful guy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most wonderful guy I know and love!!!

"A Wonderful Guy" is actually the title to a song from the musical South Pacific, where the leading lady Nellie sings about how she has recently "fallen in love." This is one of my favorite songs and every time I used to listen to it when I was younger, and later as a single, I would wonder what kind of man I would fall in love with and if I would feel as grand and enraptured as Nellie did in the movie about her guy. Would he really be that wonderful? After all, it is just a movie. In reality, we have to deal with the ugliness of sin in ourselves, as well as with the other person. I mean, with that truth in mind, you really have to be in love with a wonderful guy to sing like Nellie does about this guy. Of course, it is your typical fast-paced, Hollywood set-up... and the song is a bit on the cheesy side, but I love it! It's such a cute scene and reminiscent of what it feels like to initially fall in love with someone. And now when I listen to it, I think of Bill. =)

Despite the superficiality of the song and the initial rush of "falling in love," I know that God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful guy. Scripture would teach us rather, that love is not merely a feeling. Love is intent put into action. This is most clearly seen by Christ's demonstration of love for us as He hung on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Also, the famous pasage on love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." These all point to love as defined by actions. And I consider myself so incredibly blessed to be on the receiving end of this kind of love that is manifested in actions on a daily basis. These are just some ways that Bill demonstrates his love for me and cares for my soul:

• He consistently expresses his affections for me in physical and verbal ways.
• He speaks truth to me quickly and does not allow me to minimize my sin (although at the time, it's hard to appreciate). =)
• He is quick to acknowledge his own sin in a conflict.
• He is so patient, gentle, and understanding with me.
• He never complains when I don't have dinner ready or have forgotten to defrost something, which means we have to eat out.
• He faithfully leads times of prayer every night.
• He caters to my nesting syndrome and has helped so much with getting the house cleaned and organized. (Bill always teases me that I'm making a little nest for the baby.)
• He is patient with my shop-aholic tendencies and brings gentle correction when needed.
• He has been forbearing as I have bought and returned several diaper bags, until I could find one I really liked.
• He works hard to provide for our family so I can stay home and care for our baby and our home.
• He has brought great encouragement and accountability when I struggle with my diet.
• He brings me my favorite flowers. =)

These are just some of the more recent examples of how he has served me and displayed his love for me. Apart from salvation, Bill is God's greatest gift to me. He continually lays down his life for me in tangible ways. As Bill noted in a previous post about how his dad was a model of gentleness and humility, Bill is the same way. I am so happy that William also has his name and am thrilled for William to grow and learn under his leadership. He is amazingly blessed to have such a wonderful dad. Without hesitation, I can sing (although not as well!) as Nellie did in South Pacific. I am in love with THE most wonderful and most incredible man.

I wish I could share the song with you, but Bill tells me that it would be illegal. So I guess you'll just have to rent the movie or download the song. (You can at least read the lyrics here if you want, but it's not the same without the music. Just FYI: It's a great musical set during WWII, but be aware of themes of promiscuity and racial prejudice.)

Happy birthday, Boo! I love you so much and am grateful for you beyond words. You truly are God's gift of grace to me, something that I don't deserve!