“I believe that the first test of a great man is his humility.  I don’t mean by humility, doubt of his power.  But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not of them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man, and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.” –John Ruskin

Hi Friends,

Today is my Beloved’s birthday.  I like this definition by John Ruskin.  Bob is a very Godly man so I feel that he believes his talent and accomplishments are gifts from God; therein lies his humility.  Seeing the divine in every other person can only be done through the eyes of God.  Most of the time he is endlessly, foolishly and incredibly merciful…most of the time. (ha)  And don’t we all need people like Bob in our lives who show us that kind of mercy.

This is the relaxed man I know and love.  He is at one of the barns at Hickory Nut Gap, just a mile down the road.  I just love this picture.

He always has a story to tell and people are always attracted to his wit and ability to tell a great story.

Here we are at the Pumpkin Patch last fall enjoying an ice cream treat.

This is about nine years ago. We had been to a Christmas church social. 

Here we are recently freezing to death at a regatta.

Bob is a construction/financial consultant.  He still works but much of his work can be done at his computer from home.  He still travels one week out of the month. He teaches Sunday School when he is needed to fill in.  Bob is a wonderful husband. He encourages me in my endeavors and he is always there to hold my hand and comfort me.  I admire his intellect and his love of history and most of all his unwavering faith. He is a gift from God.  

Bob is a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  By Ruskin’s definition, Bob is a great man. By my definition, he is an even GREATer man! Happy Birthday Bob.

Happy Birthday Bob

Dianne