Originally posted 17 July 2010:

Andrew never ceases to surprise me, even when he doesn’t do so intentionally.

I was searching frantically for our ringing cell phone and heard it coming from his shorts in the laundry. After rummaging through the loose change and keys to check the missed call, I found something unexpected instead: a large, heavy, papal crucifix in his cargo pocket.

A devotion I didn’t know about and was so warmed to find. I was surprised to find the crucifix not because Andrew’s not the sort of person to privately carry a holy reminder; on the contrary, because this practice of his went on unbeknownst to me. His silent devotion speaks volumes of the man I have married. He is humble. He is prayerful. He is aware of God’s presence and wants to be even more so.

When we became friends and started dating, I was so in awe of Andrew’s soul. He was self-aware and strong; ready to find strength in God and in his Catholic faith. I felt that I had to pray more fervently, more often, and more deeply to endeavor to deserve him. Though I considered myself to be close to God already, I discovered that falling for Andrew was the same as falling for God. To be with him was a challenge and it was all I wanted.

Finding the crucifix in his pocket demonstrates that he is the same man. After 4 years of dating, engagement, and marriage including brand-new parenthood, I am ashamed to admit that I have not always recalled those things that made me fall for him, and ultimately God, as well as I did before. Thank God that Andrew loves Him so much.

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photo by derekGavey

I was reminiscing and sifting through old posts yesterday and found this gem of a memory. I can attest that he still amazes me, but I don’t allow myself to see it as often. Homeowner-ship along with increasing children, fatigue, and busy-ness can shift a woman’s focus away from her husband’s heroic qualities and more toward what he lacks or the idea of pulling his own weight. I haven’t been immune to allowing the rosy view to fade; but it’s prayer for my marriage, ridding my heart of resentment, and slowing my own hectic pace that allow me to see Andrew for who he is and restore my ability to see  the glow.