Blessed the Husband of a Good Wife

Don’t you just hate it when the readings from Mass convict you and make you feel like dirt? Or in my case dirt from Three Mile Island.

Both of the readings below made me realize how truly blessed I am to have found and married such a wonderful woman. Ok realized isn’t the best word, of course I’ve known it all along. It’s not like it just dawned on me. I’ve known she was special since the first time I met her 25 years ago. Reminded is probably a better word. Sadly I tend to take my bride for granted. She is so wonderful and I am so lucky to have her that I just assume she will always be there for me and the kids (which she is) but she doesn’t get the thanks and recognition that she deserves for putting up with me and the little blessings from God.

Anyway between the readings below and having her down and out for a month after her c-section, I got a great reminder during that time of how much I have to be thankful for.

The first reading from a few Sunday’s ago

I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;
because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
and I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Yet all good things together came to me in her company,
and countless riches at her hands.
Wisdom 7:7-11

Then this reading at a wedding last weekend that we attended

Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.
A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the Lord is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the Lord’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.
Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16

Ok I know the first reading is talking about wisdom not wives but I decided it was talking to me about my wife and what a gift she is to me. A gift to be cherished and loved and protected and placed above all other gifts. As for the second reading from Sirach, the author could have had my wife in mind when he wrote it. With the possible exception of “governed speech”. She does like to talk every now and again ;)

“...no price is worthy of her...” Sam you truly priceless to me. Thank you so much for saying yes all those years ago.

And thanks for putting up with:

• My running all the time
• My skanky toenails from running
• My joking about trading you in for 2 20 year-old (twins)
• The hair sprouting on my ears
• My smart-assedness (I’m pretty sure that is a word)
• HT and TTN
• My taking you for granted
• My complaining about the house
• (Insert all other faults of mine here)

Just don’t let it go to your head.