Those who know me would expect me to talk about the origins of this holiday. The origin of Saint Valentine, the good he did, the message behind it all, etc. Yet I find it necessary to write about something exceedingly more valuable and precious to me than that: my Wife.
A Good Thing
Let’s begin with scripture:
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.”
Proverbs 18:22
A “good thing” is such an understatement. The New Living Translation uses the word: “treasure”. That’s a bit closer but still doesn’t even begin to explain what I found when I found my wife. The Hebrew word is: “tob”. It was first used in scripture after God created light and separated it from darkness. Following this act of creation the Bible says: “God saw the light, that it was good (tob)”. This isn’t just any type of “good”. This is pre-fall, pre-evil, pre-corruption, pre-depravity good. Now, I know we live in a post-fall context but if I found anything even remotely close to a pre-fall state of being – it would be my wife.
The verse says that when I found my wife I also obtained “favor from the LORD.” That is, my wife is a sign of favor from God to me. Now listen to me. I have a wonderful job, a wonderful family, a wonderful church, all which I consider to be a “favor” from God. But the woman I spend my every day with. The woman I look forward to seeing every time she comes home from work. The woman that I love so dearly. She, I say, is a “favor” unmatched. I can lose everything listed above. But I lose my wife? What do I have?
From the Lord
Let’s look at another passage:
“House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
Proverbs 19:14
Two comparisons here: that which comes “from fathers” vs. that which comes “from the LORD.” Notice that which comes from fathers is doubled: house and wealth. Yet still unmatched is that which comes from the LORD: a prudent wife. Once again a word that simply doesn’t capture it all. Prudent. Insightful. Sensible. My wife, you are more than these. You are not only insightful but you are patient, kind, loving, beautiful, and caring. As the verse declares you truly are “from the LORD.”
Happy Valentines Day
That being said I wanted, in light of the holiday, to dedicate this post to my wife. She is the first one to read everything I write. There are edits, additions, and thoughts that are behind these writings that are a product of her in my life. She motivates me to continue. She encourages my heart and passion. She adds to my life and desire to seek God amongst it all. I am abundantly thankful for my wife. She means more to me than any other blessing I have on this earth.
My wife, I know you are the first one reading this (and most likely the only one) so I love you. I love how much better you’ve made me since you came into my life. I love the moment you come home and we simply smile with joy at each other. I love our mornings, our evenings, and our precious date nights. I love how quick you are to forgive. I love your talents and your gift with kids. I love thinking about our future kids, house, home, and the family we will build. You deserve much more than a post. Nothing is too good for you. I love you so much.