I’ve written
many blogs since I began this blog site but I don’t think I’ve ever written one
in honor of my husband Jim. It’s long
overdue!
Probably most
of you don’t know that I met Jim on a blind date. In my last year of college I had been
casually dating this guy who had agreed to take me to my college senior
prom. He had also agreed to provide a
date for my friend. Then, maybe a week
or so before the prom, we broke up. I didn’t
care that much whether I went to the prom, but I had promised my friend a date
and I hated to disappoint her. So, I began
calling all the single guys I knew to see if I could line up a date for
her. No luck. That’s when Mom stepped in.
My mom was a
vice president of a savings in loan and she worked with a lot of women. One of those women had four sons, so Mom
asked if her two oldest might take my friend and me to the prom. She was very specific that her oldest son Jim
should be MY date. Well, I was thrilled
when this very handsome blond haired, blue eyed guy picked me up, and we had a
great time at the prom. We began dating
steadily right after, and the rest, as they say, is history! Fourteen months later, we were married. This past July marked our 46th
year of marriage.
Like every
couple, we had many ups and downs during those years. Sometimes the downs were pretty low, but now
we’re here, just us two, living out our retirement years together, and it’s
great.
If you know
Jim, you know he’s a quiet guy. He says
plenty to me, but socializing with groups of people has never been his
forte. That’s why I am so grateful for
the kindness and selflessness he’s shown since we made this big move. He knows how important it is for me to make
friends here, so he has been incredibly great, stepping way outside his comfort
zone so that I can have friends.
Not long ago
we began having breakfast after church with other couples from our community
who also attend our church. We’ve
attended numerous neighborhood get togethers to meet neighbors, and we even
took a bus trip to Georgia and North Carolina where we mixed with many of our
fellow travelers. Jim’s willingness to
do all these things, for my sake I’m sure, have helped me, and him too, to feel
so at home in our community.
Socializing
may not be high on Jim’s list of favorite things, but one thing that has always
been true of him is that he has a soft, servant’s heart. Whenever there have been opportunities to
serve, Jim steps up, and never complains.
He’s delivered meals long distances in service to people in need from
church, driven to the airport for a one neighbor, changed light bulbs for another
whose husband was traveling, and he has volunteered to do whatever is needed
for a local impoverished public elementary school.
Yesterday when
I was reading the Bible for an upcoming study, I read this in 1 Peter 4:10 and
thought of Jim:
“Each one should use
whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in
its various forms.”
I’m thankful
that 45 years ago, the Lord intervened in a relationship I had, and as a
result, I met Jim. He is an awesome guy,
a faithful husband, and a true servant. Many
have been the recipient of God’s grace through him. Especially me! I’m thankful for God’s gift in such a
wonderful life’s partner.
