Because Christ Lives in Him

He sat there eating his banana and almond butter-he's allergic to peanut butter, sort of.  The picture of patience, grace, waiting, thoughtfulness.  This man, making me see Christ in my home.  He makes me want to be more for the sake of the Kingdom, and for our family, for him.

Rewind to his return from a day of landscaping...hearing our daughter screaming from the stairwell he opened the door bringing a smile with fatherly words.  Asking if I needed help with the Farmer's Market veggies covering the counter in preparation for dinner.  Changing one of the stinkiest diapers in the history of stinky diapers.  Offering to wash the dishes.  Listening to our little one screaming from her crib at bedtime after a long day of teething and stumbling and growing.

I sat next to the bookshelf stacking the living room mess, excusing my behavior in my own mind.  It was a long day.  It was a whiney day.  It was an exhausting day.  It was a sore back day.  That's why I replied with a sarcastic and angry tone when he suggested I let her cry a while as she lay in bed.  I believe my exact words were, "Does it look like I'm going in there?"

And he just sat there at the table.  No argument.  No looks.  No sighing or grumbling.  Quietness.  Waiting for me.  If he had used words he couldn't say he loved me better at that moment.

I stood in the bathroom knowing I acted like an idiot.  Yes it was a long day for me.  What about him?  No matter how trying, he is here.  Loving.  Serving.  Paying attention.  Helping.  Providing.  Encouraging.  I walked out with a smile on my face knowing forgiveness was already there for me, but knowing it still needed to be said.  "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have yelled at you.  I love you."  He looked in my eyes and smiled.  And what two years ago would have turned into a day, two days...of ignoring, pretending, avoiding, became a sweet moment for us.  And we could enjoy our evening together not wasting it on pride.

How did I get here?  With him?  Who else could love me like he does?  Love me through what he loves me through?  Only Christ.  And because Christ lives in him, this man can love me like he does.  And all I can say is thank you.