Exude Awesomeness…

Exude Awesomeness…4-5-25

When I became an administrator a couple of years ago, my husband began something new. He would get out of bed when my alarm went off, make me coffee, bring me a cup, turn on his news program, and we would talk about our day. I would ask what was on his agenda, and he would inquire about mine. Before I left, I would sit down for just a few moments with him, and we would talk. I began to treasure these few moments together as we often don't have time to do that. It became a comfortable routine and one that I look forward to.

After I started the blog a few months back, he would read this while I was getting ready. He will often tell me, he is the only one who does, but I can count on him. Yes, he still reminds me that I called him "rough around the edges." And, yes, he is, but he has had to be to get by with what he has seen. He will often remark about something I wrote or give me new material or information. It has become a joke between us that he is trying to get into my blog with new comments or material. Today, I was remarking about some women who don't even know him "awing" about something he had done that I had shared with them. He said I just "exude awesomeness". Oh my, I immediately grabbed my phone, and he laughed.

We have been together 43 years this year. Our anniversary is coming up, and we will celebrate 38 years. Now, before you do the math, we dated for five years. Yes, five years. When we finally announced we were engaged to get married, the general comment was, "Okay, it's about time." As high school sweethearts, we started dating in the 11th grade. He has always just been there. Apart from God, I can count on him for anything, and he can count on me. I Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." We support each other. Yes, we have had our share of disagreements and struggles. Any couple who has been married for a while has, but God has strengthened us through the fire and given us a new appreciation of His goodness and each other.

My principal used a comment once from Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." The NLT states it this way: "So a friend sharpens a friend." In our church, we started a Women's Bible Study class on Sunday night about a year ago. We often share struggles, prayer requests, concerns, or even fears. At times, we just gather around each other and pray for a situation or concern. On a messaging app, we communicate, share testimony, share prayer concerns, send spiritual uplifts, and share praises. To me, that is the true meaning of "iron sharpening iron". We hold each other accountable, but we pray for each other and love each other. Just as my husband and I sharpen each other, fellow Christians sharpen each other. We make each other stronger through our obedience to God. Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." I look forward to being in Heaven with my husband, and I look forward to being in Heaven with my Sisters-in-Christ.