...to the level of everyday's most quiet need..

I am a fortunate woman.  I have been married for almost thirty years and my husband still puts me first in so very many ways.   Last night I was reflecting on all his little kindnesses over the weekend and thought he deserved a little 'public' appreciation.  Over the course of the weekend we attended two concerts that were work related for him.  I met him Friday night at the concert hall, and when he was coming in to the lobby and caught sight of me...his face lit up.  That's right...after thirty years he still lights up when he sees me.  It makes me feel so incredibly special.  On Saturday he took me to a movie I had wanted to see (I admit it, I'm a Liam Neeson fan--it's that accent of his), and on Sunday he took me out to breakfast. 

When he opens a bottle of wine--he opens the bottle he knows I enjoy instead of his favorite.  He takes my car to the car wash and keeps it running in perfect condition for me.  He raked all the leaves with a smile on his face.  Last night he made FRIED CHICKEN and GRAVY for me--my all time favorite dinner.  And then (are you ready for this?) he does the dishes every single solitary night.  And it gets even better...he then joined me in the family room for Sunday night....Masterpiece Theater.  That's right, season two of Upstairs Downstairs over Sunday night football.  And when Downton Abbey starts up again in January, he'll be right there beside me on the sofa.  Because he loves me--in big ways and in all the small ways that add up to a happy marriage.  Let me count the ways....I don't think Elizabeth Barrett Browning was any luckier than I am!

Sonnet XLIII

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

I hope you have a lovely start to the week!