When we think of gifts from God, we tend to think in terms of money or houses or cars or other such “things.” Sometimes we get beyond these things and think about the gift of health. Today, I want to discuss another kind of gift. A gift that surpasses health and financial things.
On June 21st, 25 years ago, God brought the greatest gift ever into my life. He opened a door for me to meet Sharon K. Bullis. After shaking hands at the conclusion of our first date, we soon graduated to the realization that neither of us wanted to go out with anyone else.
It took us three years to marry, because she’d been single for 17 years, and I’d had more than one marriage failure. We both wanted to take it slowly and carefully and be sure we knew what we were doing before we said, “I do.”
In a couple of weeks, we will have been married for 22 years, and there’s never been a day that I regretted taking that step. There have been misunderstandings and even arguments from time to time. What couple doesn’t have them? But we made a firm commitment never to go to sleep at night mad at each other, and we’ve kept that commitment ever since.
Every day she becomes more precious to me. Through the years, we’ve always been there to help each other in times of need. Last winter I had the opportunity to be her caregiver when she had hip surgery. At first, I had to do almost everything for her, but as she recuperated, she did more and more for herself, and I did less and less.
When the opportunity to be her caregiver arose, I was thrilled. She had already done that for me on several occasions. She sat with me through two different hospital stays with heart-related things. She got up at some horrible time of morning to take me to the hospital for a cardioversion five years ago, and she’s going to again later this month.
When the health insurance industry went south some eight years ago and I was pretty much forced to retire, she continued working part-time, even though she already had a nice pension. She wanted to be sure our income was comfortable, and we both knew I wasn’t in a position to continue making money from health insurance.
For years, we’ve been putting money into college savings accounts for our grandchildren. It’s nowhere near enough to pay for college, but it certainly helps, and once I retired, the contributions to these accounts came from her work.
I won’t continue to list one item after another, but I hope I’ve conveyed the idea that I treasure my wife. God gave us to each other, and we not only thank Him but also honor Him by honoring each other.
How do you and your spouse honor each other?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.
For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.
Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.
David N Walker 
I love what you wrote and I loved my visit. See you in July. Love, Jane Happy Anniversary two weeks early.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jane. We look forward to being there.
LikeLike
Happy anniversary soon, you two. I do think God knew what you both needed and would cherish when He opened that door.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sis. Glad you got home safely.
LikeLike
Dear David, Thanks for sharing these beautiful thoughts. Marzelle and I have now been married over 70 years and though not strictly a correct interpretation of scripture, I can surely proclaim with the Apostle Paul ” –thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” She is a perfect example of a godly woman whose ornament is —a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price.” 1 Pet. 3:4. When we took our vows in Dr. John Ironsides'(son of Moody Church pastor H.A.Ironsides) study on Oct.6, 1944′ I’m sure we promised —“for better or for worse” Well, I guess we’re now going through some of the worst. With both of us in our Nineties body maintenance becomes a great concern. May God bless you and Sharon and give you many more happy years together. Your brother in Christ Don Sneed
Sent from my iPad
LikeLike
Thanks, Don. You’re an inspiration to everyone who knows you – especially me.
LikeLike
Good morning David, First let me say, Happy Anniversary to both you and Sharon, May God Bless both of you with another 22 yrs and there after. I myself had two marriages that failed due to 1 liking drugs and cheating and the other one Liking the Bottle and picking up his hands, drugs as well as cheating. I stay in the marriages for my children’s sake.I was very young and came from an abusive home. I had lost my mom a few weeks after my 16th B.D. So I went on the streets of BKLYN N.Y. For 2 yrs. I gave a total of my life to both marriages 14 yrs. I stayed single for 4 yrs than I met my True Love. I was the manager of a Diner and He was the Chef. We dated for 3 yrs than we were married. Khaled was the best thing in my life. He was the only man that wanted nothing but the best for me. I went back to Collage, Learned how to drive, traveled to places people dream of going and so much more. We had a Beautiful Marriage for 23 yrs than God Took him home 8 yrs ago March 16th. in light of the accident I had, the abuse form the age of 5 yrs until I was 28 yrs, 187,000 stolen when I was in a coma as well as all my belongings and most important the loss of my husband I Never Gave up. If I were ever to write a book i’m sure it would be a Best Seller as when it Bleeds, it Reads and Boy Oh Boy did my life Bleed until I met my Husband Khaled.. I may have went off Track with the question David had asked. I wanted who ever reads this to Never Give up Hope. God wants me here for His Reason as He saved my life 4 times. I still have faith that I will Meet Someone to spend the rest of my life with, but if I don’t I can always think back of the Best 23 yrs of my life. God Bless you David and your Family,
LikeLike
Thanks, Rose Marie. Still looking forward to co-authoring with you once I finish my current WIP.
LikeLike
Thank you David. I am so looking to writing with you. Many Blessings to you and your family. Amen
LikeLike
I Meant, i’m so looking forward to writing with you. Sorry for the ((error))
LikeLike
Thank you, sweet husband. You are one of my life’s greatest blessings, and I thank God often for bringing us together.
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Sharon. You deserve all the things I said about you.
LikeLike
Happy early Anniversary to both of you! Sounds like you know how to make a relationship work. 🙂
LikeLike
With a lot of God’s blessing. Thanks, Kristy.
LikeLike
This is a great way to start the day, David. I’m always thankful for my husband of 20 years, but today I get to look at him in a fresh light thanks to your words.
LikeLike
Glad my words helped, Deanne.
LikeLike