October 4

"A young man meets a girl. The whole world looks different when he sees her. Her voice reminds im of something he has been trying to remember all his life, and ten minutes casual chat with her is more precious than all the favours that all the other women in the world could grant. He is, as they say, 'in love'." C. S. Lewis, "Meditation in a Toolshed," 1945.


Today marks the ninth anniversary of our marriage, and I want to say how much I am thankful for my wife and our family. It is my opinion, admittedly biased but proudly defended, that I am married to the greatest woman on earth. Donia is a constant source of encouragement and help to me. While daily, I am called upon to minister to many, she has viewed her calling as one of ministry to me and our children. In that way, I will say that she is the model of a pastor's wife. Some people believe that a great pastor's wife should play the organ, direct the WMU, lead many ministries in the church and be involved in a host of community activities. Donia has never felt that her calling was to do any of these things, and I have never asked her to. Rather, from day one, she has prioritized the home as the realm of her ministry, giving selflessly of herself to me and the children. She would get more pats on the back from many more people doing all sorts of other things, but she has exchanged the applause of the many for the appreciation of a few and the pleasure of God as she works around the clock (sometimes literally) to make our home a haven of rest and comfort, to educate our children in homeschool, and to aid me in being the best man I can be for Jesus. Much of what God has done in and through me has been done because God has used her so wonderfully in my life. Our relationship has, from day one, been one of mutual spiritual edification -- and though she may say otherwise -- it has mostly been her edifying and strengthening me. So, though my readership is small in number, I want to say to all who come across this page today that I thank God for Donia and for the person He has crafted her to be, and I thank her for nine wonderful years of marriage, and for two beautiful children, and for all that she does day in and day out to bless our family. I love her more than I could ever tell her, and rejoice in the Lord that He has allowed us to share life together.

Below is a picture of my son and I taken at the Hurricanes' "Caniac Carnival" last Saturday. We had a terrific "Guys Weekend" in Raleigh. We went to the Canes' preseason game (which they lost) on Friday night, and Saturday we got up early and went to the Carnival. We got some autographs, watched practice, and stood in line for a long time to get this picture. Hockey players work their entire lives for an opportunity to lift this cup as the prize of their careers. Pastors work every day for the crown we will receive from the Lord (1 Peter 5:4). But God has given me a great treasure in that every day, I get to come home to a wonderful wife and two precious children. They are my pride and joy, trophies of God's grace in my life, and human agents of His daily blessings!