Patience is not my virtue. Fortunately for me, I believe my husband was marinated in it the nine months he grew within his mother. I cannot figure out how else it comes so naturally to him. Tangled necklace? He gently and tediously untangles it. Not ready on time? He casually comes and hangs out in the bedroom or bathroom counter. Cupboards left open, toothpaste cap left off? He will close and cap without a word. Kids who don't understand math, no problem, he will explain it a different way.
I remember when we were living in our first house, while he was at work one day, I decided I really wanted to paint a boarder around the little bathroom in the basement. I was so excited, I bought the paint (there would be deep red and dark green stripe around the middle of of the room) and wanted it done that day...so I did it myself.
I have seen Kevin paint...he washes walls, primes, tapes and measures if necessary, (painting horizontal stripes should have required measuring and taping) he even puts down drop clothes. I had no time for any of this, I just wanted stripes. So I eyeballed the wall, penciled in some stripes and painted. As I stood back to admire my quick handiwork I couldn't believe how crooked my lines were! (Not sure what is more surprising here, that the lines were crooked, or that this surprised me!)
When Kevin came home I was both excited and nervous to show him the bathroom. I don't remember his words, but I remember feeling like it was OK. He displayed patience in the moment, and patience in the long run as he never repainted the walls.
Several years ago Zach wanted his room painted...all stripes. I watched as he patiently measured, marked, taped and painted these walls. Then last year the girls wanted their room repainted. They share a room and each designed what they wanted on their side. Stripes on one, polka dots on the other. Again he patiently measured, marked, taped and painted these walls. He even created the template for the polka dots. This project took some t i m e. This past weekend he did it again, Kyler finally got his room painted...what did he want? Stripes.
For someone like me to be married to someone like him is one of the great life mysteries. Or it is one of God's greatest blessings....for me.
Love is patient. I am loved.
Thank you Kevin. Thank you God, Amen.
Yeah, Thank God for Kevin! (it's like you're describing Josh too) :)
Posted by: Myah | February 15, 2011 at 07:03 AM
Rick was marinated in the same stuff. He was a pretty good example of patience and kindness.
Posted by: Joan Null | February 15, 2011 at 09:27 AM
i occasionally check in on this... i think you're super amazing! but helllo! those rooms are the bomb!!! your hubby is incrediblly talented AND patient! wow. very nice. (and by the way, Im EXACTLY like you...NO patience!!- your painting story is too familiar and made me laugh!)
Posted by: chanel | February 24, 2011 at 03:31 PM
Chanel,
You're very kind, I'm not super amazing, but thanks for that. :) I agree, the rooms are awesome, Kevin IS the bomb! Thanks for taking a minute to comment ~ I love to hear from readers. If you like what you read here, you can also find me writing at www.motherofthewhat.blogspot.com.
Thanks again for your words.
~Sheri
Posted by: Sheri | February 24, 2011 at 07:59 PM