Thankful for Mark

Well, I couldn't really spout off the blessings in my life without mentioning Mark toward the top, now could I?
Growing up, I don't recall having visions of my wedding, my future family, or my husband. I know that I always wanted those things, but just didn't dwell on any of it a whole lot. I think that I wasn't so sure it would happen for me. After all, I never really got asked on a date through high school and guys seemed to consider me a good friend more than a potential mate. I guess I just started to assume that it would be my lot in life. I didn't think too much about it one way or the other.
But, from the first time I laid eyes on Mark, I started thinking about it a lot...a freaky amount. I knew he was way out of my league, but as I got to know him a little bit, something struck me about him that I had never felt for a guy before. He wasn't paying me much attention and I was still certain there was nothing that could come of it, but I couldn't help but think about him.
When he called my dorm room and asked my beautiful roommate, who also had a crush on him at the time, to speak to me- I was floored! Mark took me on our first date and we were both hooked from that day forward. Neither of us had ever been in a relationship and were romantically awkward to say the least. But, with one another, we were completely at ease.
Four and a half long years later, we were married. We were immature, spiritually mediocre at best, and naive. But, what brought us together kept us together through some hard things we dealt with in our early marriage. It still baffles me that one of us didn't just throw in the towel and say "you know, this isn't what I bargained for, I'm out." But, we loved each other in spite of everything and stuck it out...thank God.
When we moved to Boise, we found our church and the incredible people there began to surround us and become our example and encouragement. I've seen Mark grow into the spiritual leader I never deserved, but always knew I needed. I've seen God work in my own life, too, although the progress seems more gradual in my case. (; Now, for every difficulty we face, we revert back to our common goal- to make our marriage a thing that glorifies our God. I feel I have a perfect teammate and a leader in this everyday battle.
But, it's not all difficult for me, I must say. I have been blessed with a husband whose qualities are hard to put into words. He is absolutely the ONLY person I have ever met who does not have bad moods. He is the most stable and consistent rock imaginable. If he gets a hint down, some simple encouragement is all he requires. He does not encourage arguments or fights, in fact he quenches them before they begin with a quiet and humble spirit that is impossible to attack for very long (Lord knows I try). There has never been a legitimate concern I have raised that Mark has not bent over backwards to repair. There is not a defensive or self-righteous bone in his body. It baffles and frustrates me...but, in a good way. (:
Mark has a heart for the Lord. He is constantly evaluating himself in light of what God asks him to be. He loves the Word and just gaining knowledge and intimacy with God. His role as husband and father is taken very seriously and he encourages our relationships with God as well.
Everyone who knows Mark knows he's a people person. From the infants to the elderly, he has a way of warming up to everyone he meets. I've asked him seriously to tell me if there is anyone he's ever met that has not liked him. He's like "oh yeah, I'm sure there are a bunch." But, he cannot name anyone. That's because he's impossible not to like. He loves people. He cares deeply for them and thinks about them and their feelings. He is funny, warm, generous, humble, sociable, easy to talk to, etc. He makes an incredible friend because he listens and keeps secrets well and never seems to judge anyone. He's also very transparent, feeling no need to pretend he's got it all together or that he needs to sugarcoat the things he struggles with, which makes others feel more at ease, I think.
He's also incredibly handsome. Just thought I'd throw that in there, too.
All I know is that I am one lucky girl to have a man like Mark. He is so incredibly patient and available. I am not easy to live with, ask anyone who has attempted it. But, Mark endures with me. I'm pretty sure he even loves me! He is most definitely the most important thing in my life and I'm inexpressibly thankful for him.