God’s Gift

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BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  People receive houses and money from their parents, but a good wife is a gift from the Lord.”  Proverbs 19:14 (ERV)

Today, Debbie and I celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. So it somewhat made sense that as I was traveling north on College Avenue to an appointment that I went by the hotel where I stayed before the wedding. Also, since I was reading Proverbs 19 on the 19th day of the month, it was perhaps providential that I found a verse that says, “….a good wife is from the Lord.”

As I looked at various translations for the wording of this verse, I found it interesting how many different adjectives  are found. Interesting, but not surprising when it comes to put into a word a description of a “good” wife.

I found the following words, describing the wife the Lord gives a man: “wise” (NCV) “congenial” (The Message) “prudent” (NIV) “insightful” (CEB) “understanding” (LB) I think that I found all of the unique adjectives used in the verse in the various translations on my online Bible. All of those put together form some depth in what the “Easy to Read” version simply describes as “good.”

My attention was drawn to the word “prudent.”  It is one that occurs in multiple translations. The word means, “acting with or showing care and thought for the future.” For all of our it is important to understand how our decisions, actions, attitudes in the present impact the future. So, often an idle word can be spoken in the “heat of the moment” or a decision made in haste without taking time to consider the future.

I am thankful for a wife that fits all of these adjectives. Wise, good, congenial (I think Debbie’s smile and pleasant demeanor is an irritation or point of jealousy to some,) prudent, insightful and understanding. My Neurologist on more than once occasion to different people gives Debbie credit for “saving my life” during my health crisis. When I went into septic shock on February 22, 2014, the paramedics asked Debbie, “How aggressive are we suppose to be?” I tell her that she missed a golden opportunity, but I’m glad that she didn’t hesitate to tell them that they were to do all they could to save my life.

As a wife Debbie has been a constant support and has endured inconvenience and challenges that many; even myself, don’t always understand or appreciate. Much can take place in 39 years. Adjustments in marriage, children, moves, challenges with work and ministry, politics and life. I am blessed and thankful to have Debbie as the constant by my side.

I am glad to be back in her home town, the place where she grew up and where we married. We are enjoying this new season, even with unexpected challenges….together.