I watched from my perch on the couch as my large, man-child of a husband growled and wrestled with our children. I shook my head as they screamed and giggled like a bunch of kids, their own little play-date at my feet.
My husband was like a child, and that’s all there was to it.
When we first met at nineteen I could see it in him then, that childlike quality. He was a gangly, tall drink of water, with a smooth, young face, and a soft, shy demeanor that matched his gentle youthfulness. But he also liked to cut-up, and skated on the edge of youth rebellion. A child myself I was drawn to his energy and excitement.
As I watched my now thirty-six year old husband frolic in the floor with people over three decades younger than himself I realized he wasn’t much different than he was when I first spotted him strumming a guitar. Not really.
And as I sat at my elevated vantage point watching the animated action of the big kid and little kids below me I realized how things had evolved. Somehow along the way I had grown up, had become an adult, and changed. But my husband, he was the same.
My husband was still like I child, and I knew that would never change.
I watched him then hugging our eldest, and the smile that played upon his lips silently screamed the joy that emanated from his every pore. It was true; he loved others deeply, unharnessed by anything of this world, and his heart was gentle and kind. He loved unconditionally, like a child.
He forgave easily. He didn’t judge you forever based on a simple mistake, but instead took your apology to heart. He spoke honestly, and never simply told you what you wanted to hear, but rather gently offered what your heart truly needed to receive.
As I watched the father of my children playing in the floor I was infected once again with his childlike innocence and pure heart. Somehow he always brought out the best of me, that little girl deep inside. And although my body was aging he managed to keep my heart and mind forever young.
My husband was indeed like a child, but in the very best way possible.
In a world full of cynicism and distrust I wondered if a bit of a childlike view of life wasn’t what we all were lacking. And although he covered our family with an immeasurable amount of strength and protection he also showered us with a zeal and wonder for our everyday, mundane walk. And although he provided for his family in every physical way imaginable he never neglected to provide our hearts with a fun-loving shower of affection.
So as I watched my three hearts playing, the people for which my soul truly sang, I was blessed by the display of their interactions together. I was proud of the father I saw playing with his children, and I was proud of his own childlike heart. I knew I was blessed that he had never outgrown the innocence and kindness of the spirit God put within him. He had not allowed the world to take it away.
My husband was like a child, and because of that my heart was blessed. He brought out the best in me, and for that I hoped that he never grew up. In fact I hoped I could be more like a child too.
Kristen Lothenore says
I love this
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. I’m a blessed lady!