We chatted happily as we drove along, the radio playing in the background, the dresser and changing table for our soon-to-be-born baby securely fastened in the bed of the truck. This was the last significant item we needed for the nursery, and we were excited to check this important piece off the list.
As we neared home, we noticed a few clouds growing darker by the minute and within moments the first drops began hitting the windshield. The rain started in earnest as my husband pulled off the road, preparing to cover our treasured cargo with a tarp. Despite his recommendation to stay put, I opened the door to help him and practically rolled out. It turns out he’d pulled off on a slight hill.
I maneuvered my very pregnant self around and managed to help him with the tarp. Once covered, I opened the door to get back in the truck; however, the getting back in turned out to be more difficult than the rolling out. You see the hill was a bit steeper than I’d thought. The truck was a bit taller than I remembered. And perhaps I was a bit larger than I cared to admit.
I tried to hoist myself up, but my foot kept slipping on the wet grass. The more I tried, the funnier it became, and I began to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. As I was standing there, holding the overhead door handle to keep from sliding completely down, I felt a hand give me a firm boost on the behind. I landed unceremoniously on the front seat, tears from laughter mingled with drops of rain on my face.
This moment is forever etched in my memory, and thankfully, this is the only time I needed my husband’s help climbing into a vehicle. However, it’s not the only time he’s given me a needed boost.
When we met, I knew he was a nice guy. He exuded kindness and wore the friendliest smile.
After dating a while, I knew he was a good man. His heart was full of compassion for others and love for God. He was honest and hardworking.
Before saying “yes,” I felt certain he would be a good dad. I watched his gentle and fun-loving nature with children and could picture him chasing his own through the front yard.
But what I didn’t know, what I couldn’t have realized, is how much he would encourage me through the years.
He is my biggest encourager.
He believes in me when I don’t believe in myself. He pushes me to try new things, to explore my dreams, and when those dreams don’t take flight, he somehow puts air under them and helps them fly.
When my natural tendency is to step back, he holds my hand and steps forward.
When fear clamors for control of my mind, he speaks loving truth to me instead.
When anxiety begins to churn within me, he is a calming presence and steady reminder that I am capable.
When I feel unworthy and less-than, he reminds me I am a daughter of God.
When I want to quit and close up inside, he shows me the way forward.
Through the years, I’ve shared some seemingly crazy ideas and dreams with this man; yet, he never laughs or scoffs them away. He never rolls his eyes, at least not when I’m looking. And though a few of these dreams may have caused the slightest arch of his eyebrows as he contemplated my level of seriousness, on the whole, he is always ready to support me in whatever endeavor I undertake.
So, dear husband, what I’d like to say to you is this:
I knew you would be my best friend. I felt certain you would be a loving husband. I thought for sure you would be a good dad. But today, I’m incredibly grateful for all I didn’t know. Because what I couldn’t have realized is the impact you would make simply by offering me the gift of encouragement.
For it’s your encouragement that has helped me find my purpose. Your belief in me has helped me find my way.
Thank you for always being willing to give me a boost.
With love,
Your wife
You may also like:
Dear Husband, I Loved You First
Dear Husband, I Am With You Even When It’s Hard
My Husband Knows Every Part of Me But This
Want more stories of love, family, and faith from the heart of every home, delivered straight to you? Sign up here!