At Lifepoint, HONOR is one of the things we hold very dear in our culture. We talk about it a lot, make signs and banners that spell it out and say that's "who we are," and quiz our volunteer leaders on it as one of our three cultural values. We look, all the time, for opportunites to give feet to the concept in our daily lives and interactions. I am very fortunate to work in an office with a group of people who truly exemplify honor in their relationships, especially with their spouses. I saw a lot of this in February (Go figure, with Valentine's Day and all. . .) but I can honestly say that I see it in them every single day. What's even better is that they encourage it in each other. Just to give you a few examples. . .
Josh had big plans for Mia on Valentine's Day, including a dinner out, a girl movie that I'm quite sure he would never see on his own, and even a trip to Anthropologie. That was just Friday night! Saturday night had even more romance in store for Mia, and I happen to know that because of a few reasons, not the least of which was his borrowing our fondue pot for a special dessert he made for her. But he didn't stop at that. . .Weeks later, after the whole "obligatory" Valentine's Day date was over, he asked if I could watch Caedmon for a few hours so that he and Mia could go on a date. They met me at the office with Caed, got the carseat all loaded in my car, and off they went--but not before I caught him running around to the passenger side to open the door for his bride. Mia, Josh loves you! It warms my heart to see how much he loves to bless you!
Jeremy made dinner for Jennifer on Valentine's Day, but let's not forget the way he constantly honors her, even when it's not a holiday, by bragging about her in the office, always looking out for her best interests, and truly connecting with her in a BFF kind of way that I think all couples should aspire to. Jen, you are really Jeremy's Soul Mate, and what a bonus that he knows it!
Pastor Daniel whisked Tammie away for a romantic couple of days at the Homestead, no less, and as far as I know, he planned the whole thing as a surprise for her. Not only that, but I watch him, day after day, honoring Tammie in the decisions he makes, how he thinks they will affect her and their family, what she will think of things. . .He has a respect for her that is far beyond just lip service in his messages, and I can tell you that he lives out exactly what he says in terms of holding her in the highest regard in his day to day dealings. Tammie, you have a husband that knows that your family is the most important part of his calling. . .and he is living that out, even when you don't see him.
Steven didn't really share what his Valentine's Day plans were for Lindsay. But he constantly honors her by letting us all see that he feels like the lucky one in their relationship. You can read in his blog how much he sees her as "the other part of him" and hear in his conversations about her how truly blessed he feels to be sharing a life (and two sets of twins!) with her. After all these years, they still race to be the first to say "I love you" before hanging up the phone. Lindsay, I'm sure it's nice to know that God was clearly the matchmaker for you guys!
Joe and Donna have been married the longest out of all of us, and I have no idea what they did for Valentine's Day, but I do know that love is still alive for them, even as they look forward to their soon- to-arrive first grandson! They still check in with each other throughout the day (I know because Joe and I share a semi-not-so-private office space) and you can hear the smile in Joe's voice when he answers the phone, "Hi There!" after seeing her number come up on his caller ID. I truly hope that when Dave and I have been married as long, we will still say, "Hi Sweetie!" with the same enthusiasm, even on an average daily call. Donna, the life you and Joe have made together has become a part of who he is, and I know he wouldn't have it any other way. You lovebirds are still like a couple of kids and give hope to all of us that we could have something as meaningful, lasting, and beautiful as the two of you have.
I love that as the only "girl" in the office, I am possibly the only one who notices all of these things. I love even more that these guys, all of them masculine, all of them strong personalities in their own ways, and all of them fully aware of who they are as individuals, are not ashamed of the fact that they love their wives in this amazing, Christ-like way. I'm so proud of them all for encouraging each other toward that and holding each other accountable in little and big ways, every day.
As we wrap up the "He Said, She Said" series, I want all of Lifepoint to know that you guys are exactly who you say you are and who you intend to be as husbands and fathers and friends. I'm honored to know each one of you and I have learned from you all, every day, about honor and respect and what true love looks like.
Jesus said that the world would recognize us as Christians by the love we have for each other. You boys have done Him proud, as far as I can tell.
