Happy Anniversary to Us

Twenty-one years ago today, on a lovely, sunny February day in western Wisconsin, my dear husband and I were married, to have and to hold from that day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from that day forward until death do us part.  We've had and held each other, we've been richer and poorer, we've been mostly healthy but nursed each other through a few bouts of sickness, and we've loved and cherished each other through the years.  

The years to come have promise of more bad times and more sickness -- that's just the way life is -- and, the way things are going in the good ol' U. S. of A., substantially more poverty.  That doesn't worry me.  The Lord has always been good to us.  He has held us together through more than a dozen moves. He sustained us through six miscarriages.  We have been down to $7 to our name without going hungry. We survived two years of life on the road with three small children.  The Lord Jesus comforted us when we were cut off by people we loved.  He has sustained us all the way.

Now. If my man will continue to stick with me through my dismally poor and thus, exceedingly frustrating memory, through my raging hormones and my dull mind, we'll finish well!  He's a good man. 

In spite of the fact that I am experiencing an estrogen attack (or is it progesterone? or is it a LACK of estrogen/progesterone??), I was able to come up with twenty-one reasons why I love my husband.  I'm sure I will find more reasons to love him each additional year until one or both of us go to heaven!

In no particular order:
1. He is not perfect.  Yes, this is a good reason to love a man.  If he were perfect, we would be terribly mis-matched!
2. He is handsome and has a great smile.
3. He says, "Thank you."
4. He takes his responsibilities seriously, as a husband, a father, and a pastor.
5. He's a good provider -- not only of money, but of love and time.
6. He fills the gas tank. (It's been so long since I've filled the gas tank, I don't remember how anymore!)
7. He doesn't give up. He is determined to keep going when things are discouraging.  This one thing makes him manly in my sight. He's a mountain-climber!
8. He has a long fuse and a short recovery time.
9. He loves the TRUTH and the Word of God.
10. He makes efforts to better himself.
11. He treats me with respect and kindness.
12. He sets a good example for me to follow his faith in God.
13. He takes care of his body and keeps in shape.
14. He is good to our girls and makes time for them on purpose.
15. He puts the seat down.
16. He has a great sense of humor.  (I don't get it, but it makes him laugh a lot, lol!)
17. He is wise with money.
18. He still thinks I'm hot, after 20+ years and 20+ pounds.
19. He has a strong sense of right and wrong.
20. He makes me feel needed.
21. He is faithful to me, body, heart, and soul.

and one more ~
22. He loves me all the time.

Happy Anniversary, Monocogman!  I love you!