Nine short years ago I pledged myself to Christine in marriage. These nine years have gone so fast and yet I can hardly remember or imagine life prior to having my beautiful wife by my side. A lot has changed but my commitment to her and her commitment to me has not.
Below is non-exhaustive, non-ordered list of nine reasons I love being married to Christine Ray.
1) She is a Constant Friend
When we were about to be married we longed to say "goodnight" instead of "goodbye". I wanted so badly to roll over instead of roll away in a vehicle when our day was over. I have that now. My friend is with me in a constant sleep-over.
2) She is a Ministry Partner
There are many things I could do in ministry and service while single that I can't do as a husband and father. There are many advantages to being single (1 Corinthians 7). That said, my wife is a ministry partner in ministries we couldn't do well while single. We've provided stability and love to children in foster care, for example. I couldn't do and wouldn't do that alone.
3) She Birthed Me Children
Children are a heritage and reward from the LORD (Psalm 127:3). I wouldn't have my children without her. Watching her grow, birth and raise children is so beautiful. I can go on and on about this.
4) She is My Lover
Whoever created the lie that single people have all the "fun" was seriously pulling your leg. In Christine I have someone that I am mad about and she is mad about me. In the interest of keeping faces from becoming red I won't go on, but I am a blessed man.
5) She is My Sounding Board
If you know me, you know I think aloud. If you know me, you know that dumb thoughts can come out in this process. I have worked over the years to put a filter over my mouth, but I need that sounding board that allows for the dumb without judgment. Christine is that. She refines my thoughts for public consumption and also hears my complaints that never make it to the public square. I might explode without her.
6) She Supports My Broadcasting Habit
I'm a junky. I love broadcasting shows and sports. I could have jobs that pay better, but I don't know a career that I could love more. Christine supports my career in spite of the long, weird hours that don't always add up to the pay other long, weird hours could provide. She wants me to do what I love for a living and keeps the kids alive and the house standing while I do it.
7) She is My Encourager
I have many down days. I have days when I feel like what I do with the church, at my job and for my kids doesn't make a difference. Christine has countered those days with encouragement. She often thinks more of me than I do.
8) She Helps Me Live Longer
Before Christine I was on route to die of McDonald's poisoning. I had not been to a dentist or a doctor in all my single years. Married men live longer because of women like Christine. Seriously, I didn't buy vegetables before I was married unless it came with the sub sandwich I bought.
9) She is a Blessing from God
It's been said that the grace of God isn't a thing but rather the radiance of the Trinity Himself shining on our lives. Christine is a means of grace in my life. Her face shines the grace of God on me. She offers me forgiveness daily. She is good to me when I am less than I should be for her and to her. She is an absolute blessing to me. When I found her I found a good thing and obtained favor from the LORD (Proverbs 18:22).
Our 9th anniversary isn't being celebrated with a wonderful trip and I didn't order fireworks to be shot as we dine tonight. Despite the lack of fanfare, Christine, I hope you realize that I love being married to you today.
