Who's the boss?

I have a discouraged and disappointed husband.  If you knew my husband, he doesn't set himself up for disappointment.  While I'm jumping up and down and clapping about something he is sitting calmly and quietly waiting for "something" to really happen or appear.  I've often looked at him thinking that he's missing out on half the excitement of life by foregoing the jumping and clapping.  Half of the fun in my life consists of jumping and clapping.  Anyway....he was promised a bonus at his job in recognition of all the outstanding work he does and his unwavering commitment to his responsibilities.  The promise was empty, not unlike our bank account.  Like anyone, we were certainly looking forward to the extra funds in hopes of getting ahead a little.  I  can understand his disappointment.  

Brian is not the stereotypical "government employee".  I'm sure being in the DC area we have all heard the jokes about how government employees are all slackers.  My husband is not a slacker.  He works for the government as a cyber security something or other.  Yes, that is his official title.  Check out his business card.  He takes his job incredibly seriously.  He wants nothing more than to make a difference.  He wants to protect our country from cyber attacks.  He doesn't hesitate to go the extra mile, he doesn't cut corners.  An interoffice memo is just as important to him as a brief to the Secretary of Defense.  It all matters to him.  He doesn't play the office political games.  He is there to do a job and he expects those around him to do the same.  If you work for him you'd better bring your "A" game because you're going to need it.  I often joke that if I worked for him he'd fire me in 5 minutes.  He doesn't leave the office because a clock tells him to, he leaves the office when the work for the day is done.   When he comes home he still cares about what's happening.  Cyber attacks are real and they don't stop at the end of a workday.  He doesn't turn off his work phone when he gets home.  He is not a slave to it, but he checks it to make sure if something needs attention it is taken care of.  

Brian is not just an outstanding worker.  He is an outstanding husband and father.  There is nothing he wouldn't do for our family and he shows it daily.  He has a ridiculous commute, works a full day, comes home and is engaged with our family.  Every day without fail he calls me on the way home and asks me if there is anything he can stop and get for me at the store.  You know what?  He means it.  He would stop and get anything I asked him to and not complain.  When the girls have worn me out he takes over.  He takes over bath and bedtime and lovingly reads to them and tucks them in.  

It struck me earlier as I was catching myself getting a little angry for him....Brian does a fantastic job and he does so because his character and integrity require that he does, but more importantly because God requires that he does.   He's going to perform the same no matter who his Commander in Chief is.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters"
Colossians 3:23

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:31

Brian may not be getting the recognition that he had hoped for, but his commitment and dedication to his job and to his family are not overlooked by the only One who truly matters.

Brian, THANK YOU so much for all you do.  As your wife I thank you for the way you care for our family.  As an American I thank you for what you do to keep our beloved Country safe.  I love you.