One of the most important aspects of our family begins with me and Lindley. Although our 8 year old is quite clear that he doesn't want to get married - unless it's to Mommy, marriage is clearly the second key to building a family with a pleasing aroma.
I spent the first half(-ish) of my marriage madly in love with both my wife and myself. Of course, the Bible says you can't serve two masters (God and money) in Matthew 6:24, and marriage is much the same. Being madly in love with myself doesn't bode well for giving myself up for and loving Lindley.
But how wonderful it is to have a marriage with two people who love and yearn for the Lord. I want to encourage Lindley to be all God created her to be, to show the boys how to love a woman and to show them how to love others.
This represents my yearning for Lindley as I traveled recently:
I heard a poet speak of the Linden
Which brought back emotion deeper than wisdom
I thought of her leaves vibrant green to dark emerald
Fragrant flower, delicately sprinkling life
Through the bleakest of winter, still yearning for sight
With bare limbs and trunk yet shining bright
Compass directs to powered spirit
Walls of miles and time crumble away
Your beauty inspires each and every day
I am blessed desiring my peaceful dweller
While our love endures forever and ever
