Love, Grace & Pizza

I once overheard another Indian man asking Amith if it’s difficult being married to someone from a different culture. My husband’s answer has kept me smiling ever since;

“Being married to an American girl is great! She doesn’t want gold jewelry; I just get her pizza and she’s happy!”

There are things about me many men would find irksome, especially in India. I find sewing and cooking tedious and will do so only when absolutely needed. I’m uncomfortable at large gatherings and I take a VERY casual approach to being a hostess. I’d rather have alone time and quiet. I don’t know how to communicate besides saying honestly what I’m thinking, which is considered rather charming in America, but in India…not so much.

Because of these things, I know there are a great deal of people across the globe who would not think I’m great wife material. I know that Amith wishes I would cook. I know sometimes I embarrass him when I speak my mind too brashly. And yet he appreciates me not for what I can do, but for who I am.

Because I’m honest, he says he always knows my intentions. I couldn’t hide an agenda if I tried. My husband is introverted, and so appreciates and sympathizes with my discomfort in large crowds. He says that in me he has someone he can be himself around. I value friendship and relational intimacy more than what my spouse can do for me, and I know Amith feels the same.

1 John 4:7-8 days, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

God also loves us not for what we can do for Him. He loves us just for who we are. Because Amith doesn’t pressure me to be a perfect wife, I feel at peace with him. I have the greatest amount of respect and affection for my husband. Knowing that God loves me even more makes me want to spend more time in His presence and enjoy His company.

I wish with every part of my being that every couple would know God’s gracious, faithful love for us. It changes a person into the best version of themselves: the person God made them to be.

I’m continually thankful that God gave me a husband who displays His love.