I woke early, far too early considering the late hour I had finally fallen asleep, and I stumbled blurry-eyed towards the shower. I glimpsed my husband sleeping soundly as I made my way towards the bathroom, and I longed to be traipsing through dreamland too.
The thing is it wasn’t just the lack of adequate rest or the fact that a full workday awaited me that made me feel a small sense of dread. It was more than that, but for the life of me I couldn’t pinpoint the exact culprit of my foul mood. Despite not knowing it’s origination my downtrodden mood persisted even after a hot shower had washed away the majority of my fatigue.
I just felt bad, you know, and as I stared at my reflection in the fogged up mirror I tried to accept the fate of my day. I began to floss, as that was my vice, when suddenly I heard the bathroom door start to creak.
I turned in quiet anticipation, and as the door slowly swung open allowing a cool draft of air to enter it also brought with it my now awake spouse. He stood silently staring at me, and then he seemed to float to my side. A small smirk played on his lips, and a sweet seriousness swam in his dark eyes. They penetrated me, and then he took me in an embrace.
Without ever saying a word he somehow read my emotions, and as he held me in the safety of his large arms I felt a weight fall from me. Somehow in the warmth of his touch he took my stress, and I suddenly felt so much lighter. He was just like that.
As we parted he smiled again looking deeply into my eyes, and then he turned to go. Without ever exchanging a single phrase he had spoke to my heart of the continual support he always offered in my hour of need.
As I began massaging lotion onto my face I smiled at the thought of that man. Somehow, always, he knew. He knew when I needed a hug the most, or when a simple, silent smile could be used to brighten my day. I was certain God had gifted him with the innate ability to offer himself physically and emotionally at the precise hour of my need, and gladness didn’t even begin to express my gratitude.
After the time we had spent married, day in and day out, a repeat of what was sometimes the same old, mundane routine, he still knew how to make me smile. He knew how to make me feel special, and at the end of the day he was still my best friend.
The night before when he came dragging in from work he removed his coat, and I smiled at the shirt he was wearing. It was just a simple tee, something I had picked up with him in mind, but when I saw him standing there sideways, the fabric hanging just so, I was drawn to him. He looked as good as he did when we were teenagers, and I found myself attracted to him just as much.
He still does it to me, the butterflies, after all these years.
So as I stood getting ready for work, somehow feeling better than I had all morning, I wondered how I managed to have it so good. I was married to my handsome, best friend who still had the amazing ability to lift my spirits with a single smile and simple embrace. I figured I could make it through the longest twelve hour shift known to man with that small fact in the back of my mind.
This reminder of the gift I had in my man was cemented in my spirit, and I was once again determined not to take him for granted. I was determined to reciprocate his sweetness, and to give as much into our marriage as he gave each day.
I gazed at him with a grateful heart before I left that morning. Already back asleep he slept silently, and I watched him dream. He was my dream, and I prayed “thank you Lord” as I drifted out the door, feeling so much better than I had just an hour before.
Martha says
Beautiful
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Shelly Burke says
I discovered your blog through a link on Facebook to a post about nursing (I’m a nurse too). After I read that great post, I saw the link to this post in the sidebar and had to click on it. You see, several years ago my almost 23 year marriage ended after betrayal by my ex. I had resolved to living the rest of my life alone and was at peace with that.
Just a few months ago an old high school friend and I ran into each other again. Neither of us wanted a relationship but we were grateful to have each other as friends. God, however, had different plans for us, and we’ve found ourselves very much in love and planning a future together. Doubts sneak in though, and we’re both leery because we’ve been so hurt in the past; we love each other now, but will it last? As I read this post I found myself smiling, and then felt tears coming to my eyes. I see myself, and my wonderful friend, in this scenario. He IS that man who takes away all of my cares and worries with his touch and his love. I thank God for him every single day.
I don’t believe in coincidences–I believe in God-incidences. And I believe that He led me to this blog and this post to reassure me. THANK YOU for posting it.
You have a new follower! God’s blessings to you and your family!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much! I’m really glad God led you to my blog. Your story sounds more similar to mine than you may realize. My first marriage ended in rejection and betrayal also, and my current spouse was my college sweetheart that God brought me back to after many, many years apart. Pretty cool how God works! Thanks for the comment and following along.
Shelly Burke says
WOW-thanks for sharing! How neat that you found joy after betrayal too. Our God is an awesome God! Looking forward to reading more!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. Read your about page on Nebraska family times. Love your story.