JONI: I’m pretty excited that Ken is at the microphone with me today – husband of 26 years.
KEN: I’m pretty excited myself.
JONI: Good for that… You know, Ken, you are pretty amazing. Lately you and I both know it has not been the easiest around our house.
KEN: No it hasn’t and it has been very difficult to see you in pain.
JONI: Well, you know I have good days and bad days, but it means that sometimes I’ve had to turn an extra time at night – now I guess I should explain what that might mean. You do a great job of tucking pillows behind me and getting me up on my side as you help me in bed, but then often at around 3 in the morning or 4 o’clock you get up and you have to turn me again on my other side. Lately though you have had to do it a few more times than normal.
KEN: Yes, but you know I would like to say that it is always easy, but it isn’t always easy.
JONI: You said something to me last night…
KEN: Well that was something that I felt was maybe God speaking to my heart. I woke up -- and it was interesting that it came at the right time -- it was God saying, on that cross I didn’t get any breaks. And basically I realized that in the pain that you are suffering, as difficult as it may be, Christ on the cross was suffering and had no chance to have breaks either.
JONI: Well, that meant a lot to me when you shared that and I was having a painful night, but then when I looked at you, having to get up an extra time, and that’s not easy for any husband – what, it’s been 26 years you have been doing that, getting up extra times in the middle of the night to turn me. You don’t get a break either, unless I might go on a trip without you, or when you get to go fly fishing with your buddies.
KEN: But you know the neat part about that, Joni? It’s that I think through it all it has brought us closer to Christ. When we have to rely on Him during those difficult times, it not only bonds us closer as a couple, but it bonds us closer to Christ.
JONI: Well, my goodness, just hearing you say that and looking at your eyes and seeing your smile, it’s very touching, because you are absolutely right, Ken, it does bring us closer together. And thank you for the reminder that when I have great days in the wheelchair it’s a little bit of a break, but it’s also a poignant thing to remember that Jesus did not get a break. Maybe tonight when you put me to bed I might have to get up an extra time during the evening at 2 or 4 a.m. and you might have to turn me and God willing you’ll remember too that Jesus did not get any break on the cross, and how that speaks to us, right?
KEN: But the best part is we have Christ in our marriage.
JONI: Amen! And what a difference He makes. I can see it in your eyes. Ken, thanks for sharing that and I hope it’s an encouragement to some of our men who are listening today -- some of our husbands – I hope that’s a blessing to us.
KEN: Thanks, hon!
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