She Saved My Life

Today I celebrate the love for my wife as it is our 8th year anniversary.

Yesterday I ventured into looking at those who have saved my life. I gave thanks to Jesus for doing so and He gets all glory and credit for all that is good in me to this day. God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, so I’ve been reliably informed. This is the tribute to the greatest wonder He’s performed.

When I look at the greatest decisions I ever made, I reflect on the one I would select to marry and have to say, to this day, that selection is the greatest decision I ever made.

Really.

Now let me qualify that. My wife Authrine was not paraded before me along with other damsels as I sat on my magisterial throne to cast judgement. I’m not suggesting for a minute that she had no say in the matter and had to do what she was told. When you know my beloved wife, you will discover such a state of affairs could never be possible. Authrine is a strong, determined woman who is fairly assertive and adamant in which path she will choose to take. She was not up for the ‘choosing’ in that sense. Yet in a way and capacity I never knew was possible I chose Authrine to be my wife. (To be fair, she had to choose me to be her husband, but as she’d acknowledge – I chose first!)

For starters God had to do some extensive work on my heart for me to agree with His view as to my suitability to wed a woman. I didn’t agree with Him. I didn’t think anyone would want me. I was wrong. God was right. (Not for the last time either.) When our relationship began Authrine saved me by her friendship. Her authenticity and refreshing approach to life without guile or hidden agendas was very endearing. Her heart and compassion mixd into the flaws of life made her not just a compelling study in humanity, but someone I loved and grew deeper in love for her. That friendship, that love and that mutual support is why I don’t say I fell in love, I didn’t fall anywhere. Rather it was a case of growing in love.

For Authrine to agree to marry me was a miracle. For her to dedicate her life to serving and supporting me in the best way she knew was the greatest gift God gave me in Christ. Authrine saved me many times by forcing me out of myself, challenging me to live up to responsibilities, cajoling me to think beyoond my narrow confines. She was more than willing to give the space and time to develop myself. At times her sacrifice was at the cost of her own health. Yet as well as that, she also took strides in her own development and it was the happiest thing in my life to see her mature and become even more beautiful as she overcame obstacle after obstacle in realising more of who she is in Christ.

She saved my life by taking very hard decisions that caused necessary pain so that true growth could emerge. She said the things to me few would muster the guts to say. She stood up for herself when it would be easy to cower under pressure. I don’t and will never know how hard it’s been for her to live with me, but I’ve gathered it has not been easy. Yet here we are – not just surviving, but thriving by God’s grace on the key foundations of a marriage – love for God and for each other. She could have left, some say she should have, but she stuck around and persevered and for all the faults she may find in me, she is married to a better man today because of her efforts.

Words continue to fail to express my heart-felt gratitude for her and I thank God that as we celebrate god used and continues to use her to save my life.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd