I will go on boasting about my husbands love for craftsmanship because its something that is often overlooked, beautiful once embraced, and has the ability to move people, change a perspective, or bring growth.
Just a side note, I've been learning more and more that one of the BEST things about marriage is learning from eachother - and I think it's a Really Really REALLY important atitude to have. Often times, and especially with mr. hartin and I, we can be as black-and-white opposite as they come - in our temperment, personalities, hobbies, etc. Needless to say, sometimes this can and will no doubt be an area of frustration in any relationship. I'm learning, though that our oppositeness (not sure if that's a word, but for the sake of not knowing a better word to describe it, we're assuming it is) does not have to be something that causes conflict but that God intended it to be an aspect of relationship that causes growth, understanding... it brings a beautiful balance.
Back to the art of it all. Naturally, I wouldn't say I'm a huge 'details' kind of person. I'm very much a 'Big Picture' thinker. Mr.hartin on the other hand is very much a 'details' kind of person. It amazes me. He'll see things, notice things, appreciate things that wont even enter most peoples minds. Most of you know this by now, but husby is a devout coffee lover. And not just like... he likes the taste, or needs the caffine kick. Coffee is every way an art to him, and he values making time to appreciate the process, the art, the technique involved in everything from the region the bean was grown in, to the process of roasting, to the notes and hints of fruit, nut and spice, to what type of food each blend is best paired with. Me? To be honest, none of those things would even come close enter my mind when someones asks me, "hey what do you like about coffee". And he's not just like this with coffee ... its everything; cooking, music, poetry, taking time to walk outside, even cigars (which bothered me - until I realized mr.hartin would rather spend more time and energy maintaining a humidor, researching how it's rolled, flavored and best enjoyed rather than actually smoking one). He just seems to notice so much beauty in things that I don't even notice to exist.
Like I said, sometimes I'd rather drink my coffee and enjoy it rather than spend 10 minutes critiquing it while it gets cool, and sometimes I'd rather just eat my food rather than talk about it for 20 minutes. But for the most part, I adore this about mr.hartin and I learn to appreciate it .
I trust and continue to hope that there are things about me that challenge Cole; bring growth, balance, a chance to see and understand God in new ways. This is what makes relationships rich. This is where I see Jesus most often in our relationship - in the things that on my own, I don't naturally notice or give much attention to.
An area of learning for me and I'm LOVING it!
