“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”  Ephesians 5:28

To conclude my series of father’s who had a profound effect on me, I’m choosing to write about my husband. He’s pictured here as an artist, but he’s so much more. He’s German by heritage. He’s got a tremendous work ethic, even at his age of 81. In his career he started out as an apprentice at a print shop, where he learned how to set type by hand. From that he became a graphic designer and worked his way up to creative director for a prominent advertising agency in Minneapolis. He started his own business in the basement of an old mansion and grew to seven full time employees. His agency was successful for more than 12 years. When the economy took a dive, so did his business. That didn’t stop him. Even though we lost everything through that experience, he pushed forward with the knowledge that God had a plan for him and his family. He spent the next 25 years pursuing a fine arts career for his talent. With determination, perseverance and energy he turned disaster into a tool to get him to the next step.

When I first met the man, I’d someday marry, I had a pretty good idea he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.  He had a great sense of humor, confidence, knew what he wanted from life, had a strong faith in God, wasn’t afraid of hard work, had a sense of humor (oh, did I mention that?) A sense of humor is vital if you’re going to share a lifetime with someone.  When you’re blessed with children, it is imperative. We met in high school in 1957. We’ve been the best of friends since. My husband was the fellow who enjoyed having kids around.  He made them laugh, showed them how to play catch, how to handle disagreements, how to whittle something out of a piece of wood.  When we had children of our own, I knew he was going to be a great dad. He was always first on the scene when there was an injury, to stop the bleeding, make a tourniquet, soothe bruised muscles.  He had a calming influence on our children in all their panicky moments.  I on the other hand was worthless.

 I think it is really important for children to know that their parents are a team and that they hold each other in great esteem and respect.  This man set some high standards for our children.  He never forgot an anniversary or birthday and flowers were always involved.  Our children also learned about struggle as their dad showed them how to handle defeat, failure, illness and sadness.  He made sure they all went to church each week and got a Christian education – even when they fought it.  They could see his faith in action throughout their childhood and even more now, as he continues to turn to the Lord for all his needs.

I love this man.  He has made so many sacrifices for us through these many years.  He always places his God and his family before anything else. God knew he would be good for me.  We’ve built a family together, shared our successes and sorrows, grown old together and become closer to our Savior.  I thank God for blessing our children and me with this guy.

I’ve known him almost my whole life and still there’s much to learn,

We’ve grown up through our many years, but still our love does burn,

We’ve shared in disappointments, in troubles and in loss,

We’ve tried to lay our problems at the foot of Jesus’ cross,

When times have seemed impossible, when we just can’t go on,

We know we have each other and the love of God’s own Son,

Things aren’t always easy, our struggles never end,

But with our Savior at our side, we have the perfect blend.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MY HUSBAND, PAUL