I’m sure we have been caught off guard with the things people say to us, as if audacity is on clearance and the local drugstore. We may have even been caught off guard with positive statements, as well. So, I’ve compiled a list of the things that I can’t believe my husband has said to me in no particular order. It may not be what you expect.

It’s okay. Rest.

I have narcolepsy (but thank the heavens it’s not the kind where you pass out). Some days, I don’t feel motivated to do ANYTHING! I get up and do the absolute minimal and feel extremely guilty about it. Especially considering that I make a less than half of his income and only work a handful of hours a week. I take care of the kids, house, farm, and whatever errands need to be done. I plan everything around my work schedule. He works from the time the sun comes up to the time it sets, then comes home and does more here than I could ever ask for. I love being able to do what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything. But sometimes, the thought of putting pants on makes me want to throw up. On those days, I do a very simple dinner (if I have the energy to cook at all) and may have a load of laundry or two thrown on the couch in the den because for a moment, I was motivated to do something, and it left.

I’ve been asleep on the couch at six pm more than a few times when he comes home from work. I say something along the lines of, “I’m so sorry. I haven’t felt like doing anything and have been fighting sleep all day. I couldn’t fight it anymore. The house is a mess, but I made burgers. There’s a bag of chips in the pantry.” His reply is always, “It’s ok. Rest.” It’s. Okay. Rest. All of the guilt leaves me. I feel safe and secure.

I Prayed for You

Not long after we met, I knew I loved my husband. It wasn’t a butterfly-in-the-belly feelings. It was a safe feeling. I felt calm and secure around him. I knew I could trust him. I knew whatever he told me was the truth. My intuition wasn’t screaming. I didn’t ignore any sort of anxiety because I wanted to be with him. We made our relationship official the night after our first date. No one else mattered. No one else that was pursuing me got any more of my time. I knew what I wanted, and I wasn’t about to let it go or do anything that would make him question me.

I’ll never forget the day he told me that he prayed for me. He prayed for me. My reply was, “I’m sorry.” (I usually let sarcasm win) He told me that he never thought that he would get married. No one he came across was even worth the time to ask out on a date. He told me that he prayed that if God would send him someone, he would make it right and marry her. And He did. And my husband did. There was no proposal. There were no rings. We didn’t have a fancy wedding. He got his part of the marriage certificate notarized, and I went the next day to do my part. Romantic, right? But that didn’t matter to us. We both wanted a Biblical and transparent marriage. Our only desires are to serve God, one another, and to raise our children in a peaceful, God-filled home.

I’m Building You a New Goat Pen

The first time my husband came to my house, he realized that I needed a new goat pen. The pen that I’d made them was not goat proof. If you know anything about goats, you know what I’m talking about. We had been together for exactly three weeks when he took it upon himself to build a new goat pen for me. (After asking my permission, of course) He said, “If you can get the material, I’ll build it.” I immediately ran to the hardware store and got t-posts, Quikrete, a roll of fencing wire, and dog wire. I spent a small fortune. He bought the 4x4s, and a few other things he realized he needed while building the fence. It was a Monday, and he took off work to do this. I had two houses to clean that day and when I got home, He was already 90% done. He said, “Not bad for my first fence!” WHAT?! I have to say, this man is pretty talented, and I’m extremely blessed to have him.

I Feel Complete

The day I got our marriage certificate notarized; I filed it at the probate office. I sent my husband a photo to show him that it was official. He sent me a photo of the silicone ring he bought on his lunch break with the text, “I feel complete.” What a feeling! How could someone as flawed as me be deserving of such love, honor, and respect? To think that I have such an impact on someone still amazes me and I’m truly thankful for my amazing husband.

A few days after filing the papers, I went to a flea market and bought myself a $20 sterling silver ring with a surprisingly beautiful and shiny stone and ordered him an inexpensive wedding band online. Feeling complete with the right person is more valuable than a proposal at the perfect time, an all-white, expensive wedding, or even saying vows in front of your family and friends. We made our promises to one another and have proven our faithfulness to one another since day one. Nothing you do has to be “traditional.” Nothing you do has to be accepted by society. Make sure your works are acceptable to God. That’s all that matters.