Unconditional Love and Growing Old Together

by Teresa^(1,351) Bronze Star

It is scary yet comforting how someone can know you so well as to know that something very specific is going on in your head.

Such was the case for me last night. Not sure he wanted to know the answer, my husband says,

"Come on, give it to me straight. What are thinking about?"

"N-O-T-H-I-N-G"

"Don't lie."

"Well, if you must know, I was thinking about how I was going to honor you since you are getting older tomorrow."

"I'm sorry I asked, meanie."

Today is a special day for two reasons. One being his birthday and two, it is the day we officially became a couple. (Our wedding anniversary is in October.)

I know, I agree with you! The second reason is of much greater importance. After all, he was blessed with the privilege of calling me his girl. (Go ahead, throw up-then resume reading.)

Do you feel better now? Awesome, let's continue.

As I was saying a few lines back, I wanted to do something special for the man I have called my own for 24 years as of today. I spent all day talking it over with the Lord and He brought a few Proverbs to mind. I have to say, I love God's sense of humor, yet it fits.

In honor of my husband's birthday, I share these Proverbs with you today.

"And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping" Proverbs 19:13

I know this is what I was for so long. I didn't realize my nagging and finger pointing was driving you crazy. Not until I heard the faucet leak. Drip. Drip. Drip. Ugh! But I finally got it. Thank you for being patient with me.

"Better to dwell in a tent in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious wife" Proverbs 21:19

Is that where you were? I don't blame you for not wanting to come home. I'm sorry that the animals were more comforting to you than I was. But God showed me the way. Thank you for being patient with me.

God must love me. He gave me a man who saw past the hardness of my heart; one who appreciated my loyalty and fiery passion. Moreover, the only man who was and still is willing to put up with me.

So what does this have to do with you? I'm glad you asked.

Husbands, do not give up on your wife. Be patient. In addition, while you are out in the wilderness, say a prayer for her. Show her love and understanding. Look past the superficial and allow God to give you a vision of how those seemingly bad qualities can be awesome when nurtured by a loving husband.

Wives, quit nagging. Support your husband even if you think he does not deserve it. The next time he doesn't come home, ask yourself if you are the reason.

Unconditional love and practical application of these and many other Proverbs are the answer to strengthening a frail marriage. Unconditional love will give you a lasting and joyful one.

As for you Mr. Ortiz, happy birthday and thank you for not throwing me out of the house like you did our leaky faucet! Although it isn't a traditional birthday song, it is does express the sentiments of my heart. (Except for a few parts that do not apply).

I wanna make you smile,

whenever you're sad.

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad.

Oh, all I wanna do, is grow old with you.

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches,

Build you a fire when the furnace breaks.

Oh, it could be so nice, growin' old with you.

I'll miss you, kiss you,

Give you my coat when you are cold,

Need you, feed you.

I'll even let you hold the remote control.

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink,

Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink.

Oh I could be the [wo]man who grows old with you.

I wanna grow old with you.

Lyrics by Adam Sandler

Article submitted Friday, March 28, 2008 & read 3924 times.

Teresa is an author, a speaker, and the Editor-in-Chief of RMS1437 Publishing. She has been married for 26 years, and has three grown children. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ through practical study of the word of God. She prefers using the lighter things in life and a good laugh to make her point, but realizes the darker and deeper things of life must also be addressed. For more information on her available books and studies, or speaking engagements, visit www.teresaortiz.com.

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» left by Kimberly (5 years 49 days ago.)

I thought it was a very good article. Happy 45th Birthday to your hubby and congrats on 24 years of marriage. Kimberly
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» left by (5 years 49 days ago.)
Hi Kimberely, thanks for the nice comment and birthday wish. I wasn't very clear in the article. We have been dating for 24 years and in October we will have our 23rd wedding anniversary. Oops. Thanks again! God Bless you!
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» left by straight talk (5 years 48 days ago.)

All from the heart, as usual, good job and frankly many more couples need such advice. Robert
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» left by (5 years 48 days ago.)
Hi Robert, thanks! I counsel with many women about this. It's hard to recoginize your own sin and so much easier to point out the sin of others. For healing to take place in a marriage or any relationship. Each person must accept responsibility for their own faults. I am grateful when anyone can learn from my experience. God is so good to let nothing go to waste! Thanks again. God Bless.
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» left by Paul Blake (5 years 47 days ago.)

Marriage is made in heaven and obviously yours was. Those who are not so sure should read your god inspired words it may be their salvation.
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» left by (5 years 47 days ago.)
Hi Paul, thank you for your kind words. I do pray that others who feel like they have lost hope in their marriage can be encouraged by what God did for us. God Bless you! Teresa
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» left by Jim Murdoch (5 years 47 days ago.)

Thanks Teresa, Ancient wisdom still applies to today. I have a great wife and we still have a wonderful relationship after 28 years. Happy anniversary and many more to come.
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» left by (5 years 47 days ago.)
Thank you Jim, and congrats on your 28 yrs! And the many more to come! Blessings to you!
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» left by Mark Parsec⁽⁵⁾ (4 years 297 days ago.)

Bravo, Teresa! I enjoyed the article. I can still hear Adam Sandler singing... "I'll even let you hold the remote control!" What a riot. Thanks, and God bless you.
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» left by Teresa^(1,351) (4 years 297 days ago.)

Hi Mark, glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, Adam Sandler is the most amazing singer--ha!

The Wedding Singer is one of my all-time favorites.

God bless you too!
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» left by Chiradeep (4 years 296 days ago.)

Thanks once again for commenting on my article. I really loved your post, not just because you confess, but because you are an inspiration not only to many wives but many spouses as a whole. It will improve my relationship with my wife also from today onwards.

I have a great burden for broken families and I am glad that you are also so conscious about a 'Marriage Bond'. Thanks again...May God Bless you abundantly.
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» left by Teresa^(1,351) (4 years 296 days ago.)

Thank you! I am so glad and feel blessed that you this message has given you something to improve your marriage. We need all the tools the Lord has given us.

I too pray for marriages all the time. Too many break up and do not give unconditional love a try. It's tough road sometimes, but worth every minute of it. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

God Bless you abundantly as well. Keep the candle burning :-)
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» left by Starflower33 from Centreville, VA (4 years 145 days ago.)

Hopefully, husbands should show some kindness also & try to be a better partner too! It's hard to be the only one trying......
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» left by Teresa^(1,351) (4 years 145 days ago.)

Hi Starflower 33 from Centreville,

Yes, it is a two-way street. But someone has to be the first to change, otherwise it is just a vicious cycle that leads to more pain.

I agree, for quite awhile I felt I was the only one trying. But what I found was that I was not listening. I was trying in a way that was comfortable to me but was not what was really needed. Stepping out of my comfort zone and making changes in myself gave way to great communication and mutual love and respect and a beautiful relationship. It's not easy, but way worth it.

Lord bless you! Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.
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» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹³⁵⁾ (3 years 275 days ago.)

What a giggle, glad I found this piece! As you know, Mick and I can relate to the 24 part but we were more "geriatric" when we said our "I do's" Marijo
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» left by Judy from Texas (3 years 267 days ago.)

What a joy to read.. Held my interest !
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» left by Meg M from Australia (3 years 34 days ago.)

Thank you for these thoughts We have been married now for 53yrs and each year we grow closer I love my husband now more than i thought possible to love another person We truly are one Meg M (Australia)
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