My Wife And I Celebrating #9

My wife Cindy and I have been married nine years today. Nine years! I know for many, that’s not a long time, but given this day with the high percentages of divorce, I’ll take nine years with her anytime. She’s my Proverbs 31 woman.

When I preach, I always praise God for her. Some pastors take time to use their families as fodder for jokes to generate a chuckle from the congregation. I received this piece of advice concerning this practice: if there’s anyone in your family that you should choose to make look foolish in the pulpit, it should be you.

But the honest truth is, she gives me no fodder to work with — I have no material, even if I wanted it. How she deals with my frenetic and chaotic schedule as a pastor, preacher, and doctoral student I will never know. But she manages it beautifully. And I have made a concerted effort to let her know how much she is loved, appreciated, and admired. Of all the people on the earth, she is my hero.

I had one person a number of years ago express concern that I mention my wife so much in my sermons. They took it as if I was putting her on a pedestal for everyone else to emulate. That is not my intention. When I preach, I put personal heart matters into the sermon. Plus, it helps deflect anyone in the congregation from thinking I’ve available :).

Cindy, I love you — I don’t know where I end and you begin. I look forward to growing old with you, raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and being on-mission together for the Kingdom. Happy #9!

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