Oh, you’re my best friend…

Today is my best friend’s birthday. I’m so blessed to have my best friend, aka my husband Jim, in my life. I thought I would tell you a few things you might not know about Jim.

Jim is extremely creative. This is something that shows not only in his job, but through his hobbies as well. Most recently, Jim has taken up woodcarving. I look at a piece of wood and think, I’d sure like to be sitting in front of  a fireplace right now. But Jim can see something more. A face, an animal, who knows what shape it might take. But Jim can see it.

Jim has a green thumb. People who have visited our deck in the summer time remark how beautiful everything is in the yard; the garden, the patio with a pond, the butterfly garden, the herb garden. I just point to Jim. Oh, I’ve been known to pull some weeds in my time, but the planting and nurturing is all Jim.

Jim is thoughtful. Because of some of my health issues, I  have upper back and neck stiffness. Jim takes the time to massage my neck almost every evening. No matter how tired he is, he always asks me if I want him to rub my neck. I rarely am the one to bring it up. He just knows when it’s bothering me and offers to help.

Jim is fun. Whether at work or play, we always have a good time together. I love to go fishing with Jim. He doesn’t get mad if the fish aren’t biting; he simply enjoys the time we spend together and lets me know it. When we have a project to work on, Jim listens to my ideas and doesn’t just rush ahead without me.

Jim can sing. Most people don’t realize what a terrific voice Jim has. I love to sit in a separate room and listen to him singing. And he loves music. Old country, jazz, blue grass…he has a wide range of music appreciation and has taught me to expand my musical horizon.

Jim loves sports. He’s been a Cardinal fan since he could walk. He dreamed as a child of playing first base for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is faithful to his teams, which include the Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini. Through good years and bad, he is a devoted fan.

Jim is spiritual. Jim takes his relationship with Christ very seriously and most of his “walks in the woods” revolve around his awareness of God’s presence and appreciation of all that God has created. Through nature, Jim draws closer to his maker and in doing so, is an example to those who know him best.

Jim is my best friend. He is always there for me, to pick me up when I’m feeling down. To share in all my successes and to comfort me in my failures. He listens and reassures me. He gives one hundred percent of himself to our relationship. Although he not perfect, I know that he has my best interest at heart. Jim encourages me to be the best that I can be, no matter the circumstance. He is honest when I need to hear it but always does so lovingly. We can sit and never say a word, knowing that the other is just as comfortable, just being together.

Today, as I celebrate my best friend’s birthday, I want to remember those who are without their best friend, especially Randy, whose birthday is also today,and whom lost his best friend to cancer last summer. I ask a special blessing on them all.

A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hs found one has found a treasure.  ~Ecc. 6:14

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you’ve had.  ~Author Unknown