On this Mother’s Day 2016, a tribute to my wife…
The greatest blessing in my life over the past thirty-one years has been my wife, Robyn. Through her, God demonstrates His love for me. Through her, He meets my needs and encourages me. Robyn is God-in-the-flesh to me.
When I meet with couples for marriage coaching or premarital counseling, I often tell them to learn all they can about one another’s needs and wants and then outdo each other in meeting them. Robyn does that. All the time.
Her wisdom and power come from her relationship with Jesus. She loves Him and trusts Him. She seeks Him and serves Him. He is before everyone and everything else. She begins her day reading His word and praying. And she often ends her day in the same way.
Last summer, while on assignment for a month at Sharp Top Cove (a Young Life camp), she worked six to seven days a week from early in the morning until late at night. I encouraged her to sleep later, but she continued to get up early to spend time with God. She learned long ago “that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10-12)
The Hebrew word that gets translated as “virtuous and capable” in that passage literally means: strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army and force. So to answer the writer’s question…I have. I’ve found that kind of wife. She’s more precious than any amount of money. I trust her completely. She greatly enriches my life. She’s brought me good, not harm for thirty-one years and counting.
At times, when I’ve felt myself slipping, she’s caught me. When I felt myself going under, she was my lifeline. When life was like a thick fog, she was my guiding light. Always giving hope. Always encouraging me. Always believing in me. Always pointing me back to Jesus.
She’s not only the perfect wife for me, she’s an amazing mom to our four children. She transitioned seamlessly from hands-on-mom while they were at home to friend, counselor and confidant as they have become adults.
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:28-31)
In 2015, we became grandparents. And Robyn does such a great job loving those two little boys. They don’t know yet what the rest of the family knows, that they’re very, very blessed to have her in their lives.
One of my greatest joys over the past decade has been watching Robyn’s leadership abilities grow in her ministry with Young Life. She’s the most gifted leader I’ve ever had the privilege of serving with. She’s able to discern where God is at work. She casts vision to bring others on board. She recruits and empowers leaders. She takes steps of faith with confidence. She handles tough issues with grace and wisdom. And through it all, she depends on Christ to work in her, through her and for her.
I get a front row seat to all of this. And it’s the best seat in the house, because I get to see that she really walks the talk. There’s no phoniness or insincerity. She’s the real deal. And I couldn’t be any more proud of her as a wife, mom, grandma and leader.
So Happy Mother’s Day, Robyn!
When they were little…
Wow … what a wonderful tribute! It’s clear that you are a wonderful blessing to each other and to your family and those who you serve. It was a privilege to have served with you at Family Life even though it was only for a short season. May the Lord continue to bless you and your wife and family and your ministry.