The other night as I lie in bed I found myself thanking the Lord for many undeserved blessings he has poured out upon me. And as I came to the blessing of my husband I found myself amazed and even tearful as I thanked God for giving me such a husband as Andrew. I don't intend for this post to be some sort of "worship" of my husband, but rather I hope to give all honor and praise to God who has shaped and formed my husband from the day he was conceived in his mother's womb, until even now as he shapes his character to reflect that of Christ.
My husband, as many already know, is not an average 21 year old college boy. In fact, my husband has taken the road less traveled among men his age. Presently, Andrew is 21 years old, has been married for 1 year and 7 months, has a 10 month old son (do the math, he's a honeymoon blessing!), works two jobs to support his family, and goes to school full time. Of course, when Andrew first intended to propose to me he was counseled on many sides (Christian and non-Christian alike) not to get married yet. He was counseled to wait at least until he was finished with school, but even more preferably to wait until he got a good steady job out of college and had some money saved up before he tied the knot. Then he would be more comfortable and his responsibilities would become well... less of a burden! Andrew was never counseled (with very few exceptions) to absolutely get married if he felt truly called to do so and if he was biblically ready to be married. He was never encouraged to be sacrificial in taking on such responsibility, but rather to be selfish, waiting until taking on responsibility wouldn't be so "hard." Thankfully, my husband listened to God, proposed to me, and married me 6 months later!
Now when people see us, they think Andrew is crazy! What kind of 21 year old would willingly give up bachelorhood to raise a family?! Andrew could easily still be in the dorms at school, working a part time job, goofing off and just cruising through life. But he didn't choose that path, and the word used to describe Andrew more often than not by others is "crazy" or "insane." But why is that? Why can't people look at Andrew and see what godly character he has? Why can't people see how devoted to his God and family he is, and see how hard he works without a single complaint, knowing God has blessed him with work in order to honor Christ and provide for his family? Unfortunately that's not the first thing MOST people see. Again, I'm not saying this to idolize my husband, but mostly to remind myself (and others) how faithful God is that He would even give men like Andrew such grace and such a heart to do what is honorable, even though it may be incredibly difficult at times.
Because people are right. It is hard to be married, still be in school and have a family! We're not denying that it isn't difficult! As I speak Andrew is at work on less than 5 hours of sleep, broken up between working 3rd shift at UPS and classes this morning. It's incredibly hard for Andrew and myself! But, despite the difficulty, you would not believe how much Christ has sanctified us, and how many opportunities we have had to see how truly faithful God is to his children! Opportunities we would have missed out on had we not had such trials. God is so much more precious to us now than ever before, and I would not miss out on the hardships of a busy, tiring and trying life for the sake of ease. Christ is so beautiful, and it is only by his amazing grace that Andrew and I can endure through these "insane" days and see His beauty!
So if you ever meet a young man who has taken the road less traveled and is providing for a wife and child(ren), don't look at him like he's crazy. Shake his hand, look him in the eye, and tell him how his example encourages you to look to Christ more than if he had just been the typical 20-something guy who could care less about responsibility and honor. Whether you think a certain path would be easier than another, never underestimate the plans God has for his children. The path to richest blessing is the one which teaches you to depend upon God more than you have ever needed before!
Just as a side note, I am NOT saying that every single 20 year old guy in college should get married! I truly do believe that some men do indeed need to wait to get married, either because they are not biblically ready to do so, or because God is using him in a great way as a single man through his college years, and possibly even beyond! I know several incredibly godly men who went all through college single and still are single, and their lives absolutely reflect Christ! But I also know all too many guys who date girls on end and have no intention of taking on responsibility. So please know, I would be foolish to think there is only one mold for all Christian men! But our society has had a negative effect on our young man and has done serious damage.
