In loving memory usually denotes some comments long after a life is over.

However, Tony is alive and well and today we celebrate the joy of Christmas once more.

Though my husband lives, he has died to himself on so many levels while loving me these past thirty-four years of marriage. No man could have demonstrated selfless love and a servant’s heart more than he has. Tony has remained my rock, pillar and anchor along this winding adventure called covenant love.

We got married on the most romantic day of the year. If you guessed Valentine’s Day, you are mistaken. It is April 15–Income Tax Day! In spite of long post office lines, yearly extensions, less than romantic government taxes and fees, our love has endured many a storm. What has made the difference?

We were married at 2:00 P.M. thirty-four years ago in Central Illinois. Embarking on a life of serving others, our vision and passion have been complementary. On Christmas Day, eight months after exchanging vows, I woke up blinded by eyes that had hemorrhaged in the middle of the night. What a heart-wrenching Christmas gift for two young people.

I vividly remember that morning falling  into my husband’s arms as fear, confusion and despair overcame me. He held me tightly and said, “We will not retreat.” Neither of us knew what the future would hold or how to get through the morning, but now I clearly see the meaning of covenant love. It never retreats and continues to give.

This season , as we prepare to celebrate another Christmas morning and reflect on His goodness and extravagant gift of love to us by sending His son to redeem, restore and save, I pay tribute to my husband, Tony McWilliams.

His principled life, constant faith, faithfulness, and supportive love have exemplified what covenant love looks like. It does not run from trouble, nor does it demand its own way. It is patient and kind. It prefers others above itself. In the middle of dark clouds and raging storms it focuses on bright horizons just ahead. This kind of love is not based on a contractual agreement that states, “I will stay as long as everything is perfect,” but, instead, never retreats.

Along our journey I have noticed the foxholes are filled in and it has made our pathway wider. Years of sharing our story of five miracle children the doctors said we could never have and the many testimonies of Christ in our lives has allowed us to have worldwide impact. Memories, places, events and a household of kids along the way only reflect a small portion of our love and His faithfulness. God has been good to us.

Today I pay tribute and give honor to the man of my dreams and heart’s desire.   Each Christmas reminds me of the ornaments of His grace with which He has decorated our lives and eternal hope in the darkest of nights. You are the priceless gift to me, wrapped in a love most never find. Tony, Merry Christmas! Thank you for not retreating.

I am reminded of the verse that now is my prayer for you. “A faithful man will abound in blessing.”

May you abound in His favor, wisdom, prosperity, health and increase. May your example to a “blinded” world be a statement and example of what covenant love looks like. May the love you have given be matched by a Savior whose love is limitless.  May He give you eyes to see His plan and purposes and strength to help others unwrap the gift of their own life.  May His peace and goodwill be yours.  May you have eyes to see His vision as you anticipate His goodness in the days to come.

Thank you for the gift of your life and a love that is out of sight.

Yours,

Gail

Related Links:

Tony and Gail Present Engaged in Marriage

Gail’s Book, “Seeing Beyond: Choosing to Look Past the Horizon” 

Tony’s Book: “So Shall My Word Be”