On August 2, 2008, I stood before God and witnesses and made a vow of love, honor and fidelity to Eric J. Dolce. I was certain of the LORD’s hand in the union. My husband and I marveled as a rainbow appeared over our reception. Indeed, God's promises for us in Christ have been “Yes and Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20)!
Today marks seven years since that day. The years have passed quickly but my love for my husband has not. In truth, I adore him now more than ever…and here’s why:
He is my Husband
This may seem an obvious point but it's of first importance. I love Eric because he is my husband. On August 2, 2008 the doors were shut on the possibility of another holding this position. To the extent that we are both alive—and by the grace God supplies—He alone will be my husband. So I’m choosing to love him. And when my "will to love" fails, there is a God of all grace who works in me, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). In Christ, I love Eric J. Dolce because he is my husband.
He is my Brother in the LORD
There are many similarities that pull me and Eric together…our common love for writing, peanut butter and the Little House on the Prairie series (don’t knock it till you try it!). But which competes with our mutual affection for our LORD?
Early on in our friendship, even before the days of courtship, I remember leaving conversations with Eric feeling “full.” This sense of satisfaction didn’t come from a good meal but from hours spent in discussion of God’s Word. I found in Eric a pilgrim I could sing with: “Oh how I love Your word. It is my mediation all the day” (Psalm 119:97)!
I love my husband because he is my brother in the LORD. God works through means and He has been pleased to use my fellowship with Eric as a gracious and effective means of sanctification in my life. I have joyfully matured in faith as Eric’s wife. Of all we share together, what equals our mutual enjoyment of Christ!
He is my Friend
I love my husband because he is my friend, in fact he is my best friend. I’m blessed with many friendships that I enjoy but which compares to my husband’s company? Wherever Eric is, that is my favorite place to be. I am perfectly at ease in his presence because my heart fully trusts in him (Proverbs 31:11). I’m certain of his care for me and I have no cause for guard. He is deliberate in his encouragement and expressions of love for me. I’m thankful for my husband, my best friend!
He is a Godly Father
Most mornings and evenings, my husband scoops our two small daughters into his arms. He places them on his lap as he reads to them from God’s Word. He faithfully instructs his children through catechism (question and answer based instruction of Christian doctrine) and leads the family in songs of worship and prayer. Eric is a diligent discipler of his children, always praying for God’s grace in their salvation.
Giggly spins and turns on Daddy’s strong shoulders and back is also a common sight. Eric serves in full-time ministry and can have long days at the church—yet we never doubt his love and commitment to us. He is adored by his daughters and his wife is tremendously grateful to God for their godly and loving father!
He Loves God’s People
I’ve been known to be somewhat reclusive at times. In fact, I’ve been a member of my current church for seven years, yet true, deep, rich, disciplining relationships with others have developed only in recent years. My growth in this area has come by the example of my husband. Eric loves God’s people! He is never stingy with his time but is always willing to pour hours of encouragement into others. To the younger men of our church, Eric is a picture of Titus 2:2, he has modeled for them what it is to be “sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
He makes a wife proud! I thank God for Eric J. Dolce, my husband, my brother, my friend, my godly “baby daddy,” and my example in the faith. Happy 7th Anniversary Baby, I love you!