I think its important to have relationships in your life with people who are stronger than you. I'm not saying we should view ourselves as "less than" others, but I strongly believe in learning from other people.
Its funny how I am now a stay at home mom and so much of what I learned in college, studying other cultures (International Studies) has helped me immensely in understanding people, or at least its given me the grace to try. I'm the type of person who can walk into a room and talk to every person there. I can look them in the eye and shake their hand. I want to hear their stories, I genuinely want to understand people better. I've always been this way, and its a strength I guess. I'm also great at timing. I'm great at planning parties, listening to my girls, sometimes writing... speeches, and occasionally song writing.
I have strengths. But I also have great weaknesses.
I worry to much about what people think. I'm quick to make decisions, I can be impatient and quick to speak. I am horrible at math, it takes me forever to memorize anything, people are surprised if I can tell a good joke in the right timing and well the list likely goes on..
My husband and I are polar opposites. His strengths... math, memorizing facts, comedy, confidence, patience, timing and ultimately leading. I remember seeing him for the first time and thinking he was a challenge. Because I thought he clearly thought for himself, much in the same way I do. He flew under the radar and he spent his time studying, drinking beer with friends, talking politics and not worrying AT ALL about what people think. oh and did I mention... he loved Jesus?
In fact, when I met my handsome husband he was probably the worst dressed person I'd ever seen. (I've since helped him with this haha) But, I was so attracted to him because well, he was leading. He was a "rebel" compared to the church boys I was so accustomed to. Because he didn't jump when everyone else was. He listened to rock music. Lived in the country for most of his life and had zero interest in the mall.
He beat to his own drum. I wanted to beat to my own drum so badly. Growing up in a culture that felt much to me like a fish bowl... (political family, prominent family in the church... whatever that means).. I wanted to escape it all. He was safe, because he loved Jesus. That was always a non-negotiable, but he was always intriguing to me. The way he wore that baggy ill fitting sweater and listened to M&M at church that night, but came to see me because he wanted to. I loved it. He didn't look around the room and think.. oh God... I need to change how I look... who I am and what I do to impress this girl. In fact, if he had.. I wouldn't have been impressed.
I fell deeply in love with my husband over coffee. Listening to his passion for his family. Yep, that was the first thing he talked about, his family, not his pedigree. He was genuinely interested in mine, not like other men. I'd had guys interested in getting internships with my parents or this and that about politics or who I knew... but he wanted to know... me.
He was handsome, had an innocence about him and I quickly learned he'd never kissed another girl. He was officially in with me.
When we got married, our personalities quickly conflicted. We fought about everything. Then made out.... then we fought. It was like two rams batting heads. We wanted things This way, I wanted things that way! I was loud and outspoken, he wanted things quiet. He worked nights and for years our life was a bit crazy. But I was and still am, so in love.
Jeremiah has taught me so much about life. Mostly to be who you are and don't give a shit about what other people think. He still beats to his own drum. We've gotten through dark times, beautiful times and the daily conundrums together. Totally opposites, totally in need of each others strengths. I am so glad I married someone stronger than me. More confident than me in areas I will likely always battle. I am so glad, he is stronger than me.
Love you Jeremiah Allan.
