More Than I Bargained For

I had a list growing up. I probably started this list somewhere around the 8th or 9th grade. You know the one. The qualities-I-want-in-the-man-I'm-going-to-marry list. Come on, I KNOW I'm not alone. I bet you had a list too (well, at least the females out there)! Here were the basic qualifications my future husband had to meet:

1. He had to be a Christian

2. He had to be athletic

3. Of course, he had to be cute

4. He had to like kids

Yep, this pretty much sums up what I thought I wanted in a husband. In retrospect, the list is pretty comical & extremely naive. Not that the characteristics listed above aren't good. But my gosh, did I really think a cute, athletic, Christian who liked kids would be enough in a husband?

Cute is such a relative term. Athletic... okay I think I just wanted someone who enjoyed and played sports as much as I did because I couldn't imagine my life without sports. Christian? According to this site, 83% of Americans identified themselves as "Christian" at the time I made my list. Likes kids? I guess that is a good start, to "like" your children.

But there you have it, the list I presented to God. Thankfully, He intervened and did "...immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. . ." (Eph. 3:20).

Christian. Athletic. Cute. Likes kids. Yes, Bryndyn is all of these things. More importantly, he is a man with a true relationship with God; striving to be Christ-like with an unwavering faith. He is exceptionally selfless and deeply content. He is an extremely hard worker. He is steadfast and unwavering in his commitment & devotion to our family. He is completely reliable. He is honest. He is trustworthy. He is down-to-earth & fun to be around. He is humble. He is an amazing father. He loves me unconditionally. He is my best friend. He is so much more than I can put into words.

I don't know what I did to deserve Bryndyn. And I don't know if I tell him enough how much I appreciate him. God knew exactly what I needed in a spouse, long before my 15-yr.-old-mind could possibly imagine what the future held. I am so grateful!

Happy Birthday Bryndyn! I love you!