12.10.2008

Falling In Love All Over

A few weeks ago, Andrew called me to see if I would mind if he held his store's Christmas Party at our house. Although I wasn't sure it was the best idea, he assured me he would have it during the day and that all would be back in order before I got home from work, so I agreed.
I totally forgot about the party until Monday night when Andrew came waltzing in with about 20 grocery bags full of enough food to feed a small army. I was surprised.
He then proceeded to tell me that the party was the next night. Yes, night. From 6 to 8. I was annoyed.
He had some guys over to play poker that night and when they heard that we were going to have all 20 crazy Waffle House employees over for dinner... in our home, where we live, they started to tell me what a bad idea it was for them to know our address. I was scared.

I tried to talk Andrew out of the party, but he had his mind made up. So I huffed off to bed and left him to do all the cooking himself. As I laid in bed, wide awake, worried, and trying to think of a place to hide all my belongings, I could hear him out in the kitchen working. And after a few hours, I could smell the most wonderful smells sneaking into our room. He finally made it to bed around 1:30am.
Tuesday was the party. I had a long day at work and was really tired. Knowing that I had a house full of people and probably a sink full of dishes, didn't help my mood at all.
But when I walked in the door I was so impressed. Andrew had the candles lite, Christmas music playing, all the food on the table, and wait for it, wait for it... all the dishes done!

It was then, at that moment, that I was reminded of how great my husband is. Of how much he likes to bless other people, especially those not as fortunate as we are.

The girls (yup, he works with 20 women!) started to arrive. Of course it was a little awkward at first, but after a few minutes we were all talking and having a great time. Stories were told, jokes were made, and everyone had their share of laughs.
Everyone ate until we were almost too full for dessert, almost!
Andrew cooked all of that himself! Plus 2 big turkeys! Everything was SO good!
Then they did a Secret Santa gift exchange. We all laughed as people decided if they would pick a new present or steal the coveted dolphin figurine (apparently they all love dolphins!).Andrew had a great time too.Some of the girls stuck around to help clean, but everyone was gone by 8:30 and Andrew had the entire kitchen put back together within 15 minutes.
After everyone was gone, Andrew told me that a bunch of the girls had pulled him aside to say what a great time they were having and how much it meant to them that we invited them over. Most of them said they hadn't had someone cook for them in ages. And since they make less then minimum wage, this is likely to be the only Holiday meal they will have.
Andrew has always had a heart of gold. Sometimes he comes off rushed or unorganized. He does things last minute and loses his keys all the time.
But at the end of the day, especially days like yesterday, all I can do is thank God that he is letting me spend my life with a man so willing to do great things for others.
Even when it makes his wife a nervous wreck.
And then I go and fall in love with him all over again.

6 comments:

Crystal said...

I think that is hands down one of THE best feelings in the world. Sometimes you let it slip your mind, especially when you have been together as long as you and Andrew, and I love that feeling when it creeps slowly back in.

This is my favorite bible verse and I am sure that you heard it before but I like to try and remind myself of this when my love isn't doing things my way.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is a beautiful thing.

Many blessings to you and Andrew this Christmas.

bri said...

That was such a precious post. I think mainly because I too have a heart to serve those less fortunate than us (which at times feels like not many people). So that blessed me to see them having such a wonderful time and saying so. It truly is what CHRISTmas is all about! GIVING OF YOURSELF! You did wonderful staying and greeting and mingling! I am sure that just made their party even brighter!

God is going to bless your marriage because you have allowed HIM a whole new chapter.

Amber said...

I'm glad all went well. It sounds like y'all had fun. We were wondering last night how it went.

I have to be honest...y'all are much better people than I am. They are still not allowed to come to our house.

Anonymous said...

I'm crying. Andrew is such a wonderful man and he sees people with God's eyes, not man's. Which is SUCH a blessing. He's an inspiration to us all. And YOU, wow...He loves you most of all.

The Glovers said...

The way that you just explained why Andrew has a tendency to over-extend himself and seem so rushed makes me feel convicted about all of the times I *sighed* in my head when he didn't call me back or how I said something to Tiff if you guys bailed early or came late.

Andrew is a great servant to people and as he puts it: he is a producer, not just a consumer of the faith. Your husband is a great example of putting others before self and living "reckless" to ensure that Christ's love is seen by the less fortunate. Remember that he used to pick up hitchikers on a regular basis...lol.

I hope that others will see this post as I have, a call to action. We can all stand to reach out more often to those around us who need to be loved regardless of whether they fit into our socio-economic friends group or not.

May God continue to richly bless your family knowing that you always use those blessings in a Christ-magnifying manner. I am glad we know you guys.

Amber said...

I should state the fact that I had a very traumatic experience at the 2007 Waffle House Christmas party and that has what lead to my strong stance.