I recently read a blog by good friend, Barney Cargile III about a six-cow woman. It had to do with the custom of the bridegroom paying the bride-price to the woman’s family. An ordinary girl might be valued at two cows; an especially fine girl would bring three. Then one day a wealthy, handsome man came to the village for a bride. All the young women were presented. Everyone was surprised when he chose a plain girl who was somewhat clumsy and paid not two cows, but six to claim her as his wife. Sometime later, when the couple returned to the village for a visit, people were stunned to see the girl had become beautiful. How? She knew her worth in the eyes of the man who married her.
Barney’s lesson had to do with how Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. Christ’s people are His bride. But it sent me thinking in another direction. How Rick has shown his love for me over the years, and how his love has given me the confidence to do things I never would have without his encouragement. Writing for one.
My husband has shown his love in countless ways, but I’ll share one as an illustration. My original wedding ring set needed repair, and we went to a local jewelry to have the work done. He spotted another ring and suggested I try it on. I took one look and said, “No way.” I could imagine the cost. I was perfectly content with the rings he had already given me. A few days later, we got the call that my rings had been repaired, and Rick said he’d pick them up.
Like many men, Rick dreamed of buying his dream car – a Thunderbird. He saved over the years and had enough to buy one. Instead, he chose to take all the cash he had saved and buy that ring I wouldn’t try on. Bets were on at the jeweler as to whether he could wait until our anniversary, December 21. He couldn’t. When he gave it to me, I was stunned and deeply touched that he would give up one dream to buy something extravagant to show how much he loves me. That ring with diamond bands on each side is now my wedding set. Every time I look at it, I get choked up – and we joke that I’m wearing his T-bird.
We’ve had our trials and tribulations over our fifty-six years together. What couple hasn’t? In the early days, the neighbors probably heard us shouting at one another. But when it comes right down to what’s important, Rick knows how much I love him in hard times and easy, in sickness and in health, for as long as we live. And I am still amazed and thankful God gave me a husband who treats me like a six-cow woman.