OH NO!

Ok, now I know it’s my wife’s birthday tomorrow. But I need to think about four things:

1. How old is she? Ok, let me think. When did Watson and Crick discover the helical structure of the DNA molecule? That’s easy: 1953. I do remember my wife was born in that same year.

   So now that I’m reminded of her birth date and how old she is, there’s something else I need to remember. Oh, that’s right, she was born in Australia. That’s very significant, which moves me to the next big thing I have to consider this week.

2. The fact she was born in Australia means that today (December 6 in the US) is actually her December 7 birthday down under, with the time zone difference. She will expect me to remember that. So, this morning, I will say, “happy Australian birthday.”

   Now, there’s another problem: I need to buy her a birthday present. I have no idea what to get her. I’ve tried things in the past like, “Well, I can buy you some nice clothes.” Answer: “I need to be in the right sort of mood to go clothes shopping.” Ok, then, how about a nice ornament or something like that? Answer: “At my age, I don’t need stuff.” Hmmm. “How about some flowers?” Answer: “They’re nice, but they don’t last long.”

   Now you’ll understand why my next move is so necessary. Here goes . . .

3. I need to call our three daughters. “Help! It’s Mum’s birthday tomorrow, and I don’t have anything for her. Please get something for me to give her.” The only problem with that approach is that when I do get the present and give it to her, for some odd reason she will immediately know I didn’t buy it myself and she’ll ask, “So, which one of the daughters did you get to buy this for me?” Well, my standard answer: “But it’s the thought that counts. At least I remembered your birthday!”

4. Now, there’s something else I need to remember today and it has to do with the month of December. Oh, that’s right. We got married in December. And I actually remember the date quite easily: December 30. But how long have we been married? Now the answer takes some calculation.

   Our firstborn was born the second year I was a teacher: 1976. Ok, I think we were married four years before he was born. So that would mean we got married in 1972. If that’s correct, we’ll have our 47^th wedding anniversary later this month. Now, I’ve got to call our daughters and ask them to get me a present for the anniversary and to make sure one of them gives it to me at the end of the month, so I don’t forget.

So now you see why the title of my blog is “Oh no!”

But seriously, the best way to describe my wife Mally is by comparing her to this passage:

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10–31)

And I can truly say that only God knows the phenomenal sacrifices she has made over the years in her support of me and the ministry of Answers in Genesis. This global ministry would not be what it is today except for such a godly wife who has never complained and has always put God first in everything she does.

Happy (Australian) birthday to my sweetheart, Mally.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.