From the moment I met Philip, I loved being around him. He's rarely stressed, usually optimistic, and always friendly. (Don't you dare say that bit about how opposites attract)
When we were dating, I was gainfully employed, living in an apartment with my future sister-in-law. After rent, car payment, insurance, and utility bills, I had just enough money to purchase the occasional pair of "pay-less" shoes, and several installments of my staple meal: pasta w/tomato sauce and green beans. I had a checking account, and a credit card but would become physically ill if I had to spend more than $10 at a time. For college graduation, my parents bought a new queen-size bedroom suit for me. I frugally used my twin comforter from college for a few weeks and then I could tolerate the "look" no longer.
I told Philip one night as we were out, that we should "look" for a new comforter for me. "Looking" is code for "I'm not in the mood to be physically ill, but I will take account of what my choices might be if I ever decide that I'm ready to purchase". He had NO comprehension of such a strategy. We walked down the second aisle, found one with colors that I liked, and then in an effortless, rotating snag, he had my bag-o-bed on his shoulder and was walking toward the checkout. I began to chase him, frantically explaining that I was not emotionally prepared to spend that kind of money....He glanced back at me, smiled, and confidently announced: "I got it. I'm getting this for you. Let's go." I was dazed for the rest of the evening. The only thing worse than spending money myself, was allowing someone else to spend it on my behalf. It just seemed like a waste....even stuff I needed.
We've been together for 14 years. Today, I have significantly less anxiety over money....and he is learning the art of budgeting. But that day in WalMart, I experienced the first of many outpourings of lavish, extravagant love. His generosity is one of the things I love most.
This Wednesday, the florist delivered a fabulous mixed bouquet for my dining room table. Philip has learned that my pragmatic soul could not truly appreciate $80 roses. The girls waited at the door while I took the vase. To their delight, the florist was not yet empty-handed. He presented each of them a cellophane-wrapped assortment of valentine gifts and goodies. Their faces blissfully beamed. "Is this from Dad?" "How cute!" "It says I'm his angel!" "OOOhhhh!" Just as my overly-practical mind was critically considering the appropriateness of such an expensive gesture for little girls, I saw a glimmer in their eyes that sent me back to that evening in WalMart. I am so pleased that their father is preparing them to be able to graciously receive demonstrative love. Sad news for Ardyn's husband: By all accounts, it's gonna take WAY more than a $50 bed-in-a-bag to speak extravagance to her!
Thank You, God, for "lavishing" Your love upon us so that we could be called Your children. Thank You for my three little girls. Thank You for their husbands that You are protecting and saving for each of them. Thank You for their Daddy who becomes more like You each day!
