Service

This is Thomas Checking in here. I would feel way to narcissistic to create my own blog, so I asked my lovely wife for the privilege of using hers when I wanted to write something. She said yes, so I decided my first post should be about her, at least in an indirect sort of way.

Today my precious pumpkin woke up with a terrible sore throat and a fever around 100. Being the very loving caring husband I am I immediately thought (quotation marks, because this was my exact thought) "Dang it, now I won't be able to go to UNCC earlier and play basketball before class." Precious, I know. I spent the morning helping her in whatever way I could, until I had to leave for class. After class I came back and spent much of the afternoon watching her sleep on the coach while I was feeling restless, and bored out of my mind. I tried doing homework, but neither of my classes are terrible stimulating and rather than provide a diversion it only made my restlessness grow worse.

Then the turn around. I don't know how it happened or what caused, but I'm very thankful it did happen. I was standing in the kitchen making dinner for my darling when it hit me. I was suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of joy and happiness. I found myself thinking "man this has been one of the best days of marriage." My own thoughts surprised me. I went over the day and tried to see if there had been some sweet moments that had made it so, or if we had had some deep conversation that moved me. While there were plenty of nice moments there was nothing extraordinary or attention grabbing that had occurred.

The Answer. I continued to think about why the day had been so "good." Before long God in his grace opened my eyes. Marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, his love for and stewardship of her in her walk through this world. Because of his love for his church Christ came and served and continues to serve, us, his church. By being forced to serve Kay in her sickness I was fulfilling one of the purposes of our marriage, and therefore purposes of my life. In servanthood (however reluctant it was at first) I had found joy, and had a heart transformation. Although I never exercised, didn't get a lot of school done, and did not find a job, I still accomplished something worth much more. I was able to fulfill the very purpose of our marriage, and in doing so continued down my path of sanctification from a self-centered husband to a joyful servant.

Tonight when she went to bed, Kay still wasn't feeling well and likely will wake up tomorrow still needing a lot of care. After today I know my response will be different. I'm excited about another day of making her food, keeping her cool, and giving her comfort. Servanthood is my purpose in life and I'm more than excited to fulfill it a little more tomorrow in loving a sick wife.