My Wife, The Indian

"There are too many chiefs here". I first heard this from my friend, Paul Tovey while we were at a service project on the mission. What he was referring to is the far too well known circumstances where too many people think they are the ones in charge; each giving some sort of direction to anyone within ear shot. I can recall vividly, while helping restore an old home, "Elder Zimmerman will you paint that area up there?" Followed shortly thereafter by someone else saying "Elder Zimmerman, I think we should hold off on that part for now". 
Alright, so if you don't get the point I'm making by now, here it is: Chiefs are good, and they are necessary; there could be no order without them. But what is a good plan without someone to see it through? There must be indians to help fulfill the vision of the chief. They are like salt and pepper, craftsman without tool, ying without the yang, windmills without wind, William Wallace without Scotland, Mario without Luigi. No one is greater nor lesser; each needs the other.
I had a chance to brag about my wife today concerning one of my favorite things about her. Sarah has an ability to accept a position as an Indian and fulfill it with fervor in a way I have never seen in any individual. She is able to do it in such a way that she retains her right to act and not be acted upon. (I always had the image that those simply following rules were just being acted upon. She has taught me otherwise). She is not confrontational, or argumentative. She is not stubborn or closed minded. Rather, she is accepting to counsel, she is understanding to new ideas, and she is dedicated to doing what is expected of her. She is a great example of a kite and how the kite's string in no way impedes upon it, but rather is responsible for the kite's ability to soar to great heights. There was a phase during my 1st year in Colorado where I was tired of the rules and I can say, not so proudly, that I disregarded them at times. I wrote her about this, and I remember her saying that just because I have to walk on the same trail, doesn't mean I can't walk how I want. That can probably be interpreted many ways, but it was what I needed. I needed to know that I could still be unique, different, and lead while walking a trail that everyone was expected to walk; I didn't need to be a mindless sheep.
I think I'm writing this because I was frustrated with Sarah today. Her energy is so shot lately due to the pregnancy along with a recent cold she's gotten. To contrast that, I've been sticking to my fitness plans. I've swam twice this week and been to the gym 3 times. I have felt incredible! I want so badly for Sarah to join me, so today I looked up fitness tips and workouts for women. We got to talking, and I overlooked how offensive it may seem when one's spouse looks up fitness plans for the other. I didn't consider how that could be interpreted (I'm just a typical boy, what do I know?). Although I do want my wife to stay a fit hottie, it was not at all about that. It was more about the emotional well being, camaraderie, and energy boost that would come from not only working out, but working out together.
I went to the gym distraught about our discussion. However, when it comes down to it, there are things I would never trade out for others. Sarah's Indian personality meshes so perfectly with mine as a chief. She trusts and has faith in my counsel, plans, opinions, advice, and antics. And I rely on her support and faithfulness in seeing out ideas and hopes I have that we can share together. It is because of her that we do not fight. I am head strong, and were she too, it wouldn't go well. I used to think that in our marriage I was right the majority of the time, but I realized that is certainly not the case. I'd guess, more often than I know, she takes the higher road and doesn't make certain things into issues. She sacrifices to see my side of the story to fulfillment. I would not trade that support and love for anything. I'm sorry, Sarah.

My wife, the Indian.