The moving truck is coming tomorrow and I wanted to write this last email while still in California to pay tribute to my husband.
It was his hard work and leadership that led us to Orange County, California 27 years ago. I thank God for his courage and leadership then.
It was here in California that our marriage was rescued from near divorce thanks to his leadership in getting us the right help 26 years ago. It was here in California our 2 beautiful daughters were born. It was here in California we met so many wonderful people from around the world (many of you who are reading this right now XOXOXO). It was here in California that we saw soooo many dreams and visions become reality spiritually, relationally, and professionally.
And because of all of those things and so many more, Joel has never wanted to leave California. He calls it his Golden Age. It really is an act of love, not just words, but actions that he has nobly taken, that we are going now. And for that act and many more, of late, I wanted to recognize him.
He really is laying down his life, giving up so much of what he loves…………. for me. 😢
There is something so powerful about when someone gives up something they love and value for YOU. Yet that is what it takes to make relationships great. Think about that for a moment.
When someone gave up something they loved for YOU (with a great heart and attitude too, btw)…how did you feel?
If you said “guilty”, please consider something….you are robbing that person of that gift of love and the value they feel being able to serve you.
As Jesus said, ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends.” (and wife 😍, my addition) What if Jesus meant no greater love is given to the one who lays their life down?? Ever thought about that?
It has taken me decades to be able to speak up for what I really want (even though Joel would often ask) and to learn how to do it in a confident, loving, humble, and patient way and more importantly humbly accept.
I hear from women leaders so often they give until they are drained.
Just a thought….What if you asked and then allowed someone to give up something for YOU? Could you handle the grace?
My hope in sharing this is two fold.
First and foremost, I want to truly pay tribute and honor to my amazing husband of 32 years. Maybe you have someone in your life that has laid down their life for you to be able to stay at home with the kids, build your own vision or care for your needs. Please take the time to acknowledge them. Second, to hopefully help you to learn the importance of getting clear on what you want and learning how to ask for it confidently and respectfully and then humbly allowing the other person to lay down their life for YOU too.
Thank you Joel for all you are. ❤️️❤️️❤️️
Here’s to our new Adventure, our next Mission and a whole lot more Romance. 😍
Signing off from California one last time…(for now).
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