Every time I read Genesis, I am very thankful for what God has given us, for all He considered and provided in creation.  The most extraordinary of all creation has to be woman.  Once man was created and all of the animals, plants, etc, God stated that it is not good that man should be alone (Gen.2:18).  The thing that I find fascinating is that God had designed man to be in a relationship with a woman.  God designed us with a need for intimacy, emotional attachment, sexual desire, and a innate desire to protect, lead and provide.  The thing that I love the most about Genesis chapters one and two is that the creation of man, woman, relations and marriage all occurred before sin entered the world.  Part of God’s design for us was to be joined together, to leave home and be attached to a wife (Gen.2:24).

I think this is a fact that often gets overlooked in some churches and theological circles.  Paul said that it is better to marry than to burn with lust and it is better to stay single like he was, but I think we cannot lose sight of the fact that God’s original design is for marriage.  I have known men who would speak of the gift of celibacy which is largely deduced from Paul’s writings to the Corinthians, but I am not sure that is what God prefers and I’m absolutely certain that it’s not a gift.

The truth is that woman make us better.  We need to have that responsibility of having a woman in our lives to keep us sharp.  God designed women to balance us as a sounding board to experience a more tender and nurturing aspect of life that shapes us.  We are drawn to these feminine qualities because they draw out in us Christ-like qualities in our journey to become fully and truly human.  I have always been of the opinion that a man with sisters will make a much better husband and father than a man without sisters.  My sisters have taken the initiative to point things out in my life and it is usually helpful.  Not necessarily big things, but things that make a big difference.  Some things I learned by experience such as how to pack so I don’t end up at a mall on every trip, always shave, shirts left in a laundry basket will wrinkle, cats will pee on your clothes if you don’t clean the litter box and the smell of cat pee does not go away no matter how much cologne you wear.

As I share this with you, I have absolutely no reservations about confessing that I not only want a wife, but I know she will make me better.  I know that she will make me mindful of the ripple effects of all my choices, a simple shaking of her head will make me realize I am being an idiot and of course the look, that stare that informs you that you are about to disappoint her which is something you never want to do.  I am not afraid to admit that those things will make me a better man and I am so thankful that God has created patience in woman to endure life with us.  And lest I be remiss, I look forward to the other good stuff that we’ll both enjoy: the adoration that comes from having a wife, and being her provider and protector for life; listening to all her hopes and dreams, and watching the sun set while sharing ice cream; thinking about her laugh in the middle of the day and kissing her photo goodnight when I am away; a meaningless text when we are apart, which means everything of course and is stored in my heart; breathing her in on cold winter nights and cooking up all her favorite delights; holding her hand on long coastal drives and a thousand little things that will make up our life; reading Dr. Seuss to our little tykes and listening to her sing when we tuck them in for the night; sounds like a lofty dream I know, but today seemed like the perfect day to share my hope!