Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A Precious Gift from God

As I sit and type this blog today, I am looking at the most beautiful individual on the face of this earth. She is lying in a hospital bed, just finishing her fourth night of stay as the doctors try to determine what is causing her to pass out and her heart rate drop so low. You see, today is our 26th wedding anniversary and we WILL celebrate our special day today, just not the way we had planned!


I went to bed last night thanking God for my godly, beautiful, precious wife. And I woke up with even more thanksgiving on my heart. I have taken her for granted way too often, but this past week has made me slow down and give thanks His wonderful gift to me of Dorinda Ann. You see, God's Word says James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Of course, the greatest gift that God has given me is His Son Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful for Him above everything else. But after that, it just doesn't get any better in my life than my wife.


When we walked the aisle of First Assembly of God in West Memphis, Arkansas 26 years ago I really thought I could not love her any more than I did that moment. But today, 26 years later, I realize that that was just "puppy love" compared to the love I have for her today.


I recently heard a song at a wedding that expressed my love and appreciation that I have for my wife better than I could ever articulate with my own words, and I want to put them on my blog today:


Then lyrics

I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met you
You had me mezmorized
And three weeks later, in the front porch light
taking forty-five minutes to kiss goodnight
I hadn't told you yet
but I thought I loved you then

Chorus

And now you're my whole life
now you're my whole world
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl
Like a river meets the sea,
stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

And i remember, taking you back to right where I first met you,
You were so surprised
There were people around, but I didn't care
Got down on one knee right there once again,
I thought I loved you then

Chorus

And now you're my whole life
now you're my whole world
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl
Like a river meets the sea,
stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

I could just see you, with a baby on the way
And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray
What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before

And now you're my whole life
now you're my whole world
I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl
We'll look back someday, at this moment that we're in
And I'll look at you and say
And I thought I loved you then
And I thought I loved you then

That sums up my thoughts, love, and thankfulness to God for the precious gift of my wife. She is my soul mate, my best friend, and an awesome mother grandmother of my four children, and two grandchildren! She is the most Christ-like person I know. I have lived with her for 26 years, and EVERY SINGLE DAY I see Jesus flowing through her.

"Dorinda, you are going to wake up soon, and they are going to rush you off for more tests…but we WILL celebrate today 26 wonderful years. I wouldn't trade them for the world and would do it all over again if given the chance! I love you and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!"

Rusty

5 comments:

PASTOR ERIC said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW AS I READ YOUR BLOG TODAY, I BEGAN TO REALIZE HOW THANKFUL I AM FOR YOU AND MS. DORINDA. YOU GUYS HAVE ENCOURAGE AND HELP ME AND JACKIE SO MUCH. I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS. YOU TWO ARE HELPING US ACHIEVE WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO. WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR YOU PASTOR AND YOUR FAMILY. WE ARE AGREEING WITH YOU GUYS IN PRAYER FOR GOD'S TOUCH. I'M REMINDED OF PROV 3:5. TO TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART;AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING. IT DOESN'T MAKE SINCE THAT ALL THIS IS HAPPEN TO MS. DORINDA, BUT I KNOW THAT GOD KNOWS ALL AND IS WORKING IN HIS ON WAY. SO MY BROTHER, AFTER VISITING LAST NIGHT WITH YOU IN THE HOSPITAL, I'M REMINDED BACK OF THE STORIES YOU WERE TALKING TO US ABOUT THANKING GOD HOW HE HAD HIS HAND ON MS.DORINDA THROUGH THIS ORDEAL! SO STAY POSITIVE, WE OUR STANDING IN FAITH IN PRAYER FOR YOU GUYS. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS !! IF YOU NEED ME I AM A PHONE CALL AWAY.OR TEXT(LOL)

LOVE YOU GUYS
PASTOR ERIC

Jennifer said...

Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful couple that I know. I am so thankful that Dorinda is here today to celebrate it with you, even if it is in a hospital room.

We love you guys more than words can express.

We are praying for Dorinda and the rest of you too. God is faithful and He is the one who is solely in control of ALL things and this didn't catch Him by surprise.

Love you guys!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary to both of you. You guys are such a wonderful family! I can remember babysitting for you guys....quite a few years ago now, and thinking about how great your family was. You all have touched my life so much! I love you all. Tell Sister Dorinda to get to feeling better. You all are in my prayers!
Love,
Amie Morgan

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary to both of you! I just wanted to check in to see how Sister Dorinda was doing. You guys are such an awesome family. I remember babysitting for you guys....that's been a few years ago, and thinking about how wonderful of a family you were. You all have touched my life so much. God blessed me when he sent you guys to Huntsville. Tell Sister Dorinda that she's in my prayers.
Love you all,
Amie Morgan

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!!