Happy Birthday, Mary!

 

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12 ESV).

 

If it is true that Solomon wrote Proverbs, as I believe it to be along with many other theologians, then we must understand a critical element within these wonderful words of wisdom. Proverbs itself declares that these words were taught to the writer by his mother. If indeed Solomon is the author that would mean Bathsheba was the teacher. I find that incredibly revealing given the history of her life with her husband David. Certainly we cannot lay blame at her feet for all that took place in the events that followed David’s sin with her; however, we must also recognize the depth of understanding she possessed and passed on to her son, Solomon. I suppose what I am saying is that though not perfect, she was an example for all of us.

 

And, that thought brings me to today’s celebration of Mary’s birthday. I often speak so highly of her that I think people might believe I think she is perfect. Well, to me she is; however, I am also aware that no one of us is perfect. It is in the imperfection that I see the design of God in our relationship. Without her I would be so incomplete. Too often the compliments and accolades come to me without recognizing that without her, I could do nothing at all. That is and continues to be God’s design. I shudder to think of where I might have been without her. “An excellent wife who can find?” (v. 10) is the question posed by Solomon. Well, I have the answer… I can and did!

 

Today Mary is celebrating her 34^th anniversary of her 39^th birthday (you do the math… I’m not that dumb to publicly write it). For nearly 53 years of those we have been married. There have been times of challenge and hardship, victory and peace; and, always there has been a sense in which I have know she is the one in whom I can always trust. The picture included with this devotional was taken in one of our favorite spots. It is the entrance to The Village in Gatlinburg. I cannot tell you how many photos I have of her on this very bench through the decades. I can tell you this most recent one reminds me of how blessed I am to have such a partner to walk through life with.

 

My prayer for each of you is that you have such a partner in your life! Perfection is not the goal… wisdom is! Happy Birthday, Mary!