I devoured chick flicks as a teenager. Without missing a beat, I would walk home from school, pop in my chick flick of the week, and cry at a scene I’ve seen a million of times.
Growing up, I was what you would call a late bloomer – for the lack of a better term – and only dreamt of a love story that would knock me off my feet. I watched the parade of prince charming glowing on the TV screen, hoping one day, one of them would find me while tucked away thousand miles away in my room in Manila.
My love for books and chick flicks benefitted my writing but didn’t really do me a favor in the real world of murky dating, ghosting and all other terms we’ve coined in the past decade.
I was never an “expert” at dating and was often deemed too old fashioned. Former officemates often said I would never find a partner simply because I stuck to my ideals and refused to be a serial dater but I never really minded. Why? Because I knew that at the right time, God would send me the person I am meant to be with and He did in the most unexpected manner.
Fast forward to this year and here I am celebrating my husband’s 30th, a milestone birthday, one that I am happy to be sharing with him.
My family (my younger brother especially) often joke about still being in disbelief that I am actually married. The funny thing is, as a child I’ve always had crushes on blonde-haired and blue-eyed leads (Casper, anyone?) but knew they were impossible to come across in Manila. It further solidifies the truth that God hears our prayers, even the ones that we don’t say out loud.
But more than just his looks, what I appreciate most about my husband is his steadiness.
A few years ago, I was listening to Judah Smith when I first heard the term Steady Eddie. The pastor from Los Angeles describes Steady Eddie as the guy who is solid in his faith and unmoved by circumstances.
Of course, when I first heard it, I immediately thought of my dad. He is the greatest example of someone who is steady.
But at the same time, I also prayed to be married to someone who shared the same trait. And that, I did. I’ve heard of the verse that stated “love endures all things” but never quite experienced it myself until I got married.
My husband anchors his life on his faith which, just like my dad, keeps him steady no matter what the circumstances (or my moods) are. He is strong, reliable, and ever so kind.
Every day, I am reminded of God’s love for me because it is reflected in the way my husband loves me. His love is not flashy – it is rather consistent – and this, to me, is more important as you go through life’s seasons. He has seen my highs and lows and yet he loves me just the same.
And the funny thing, the way he loves me has nothing to do with me and everything to do with his relationship with God. Marrying a man who loves God makes a whole difference and that is what I am so grateful for today and always.
Happy birthday, dear Anthony, the best is yet to come.
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