How the 2 Women God Entrusted Me with Bless My Life

Throughout my life, the Lord has always been kind enough to entrust me in the care of one of his angels. That started with my mom and has continued with my wife, Katie. So many of the blessings that I enjoy can be traced back to these two women.

My mom gave her absolute all to her seven children and over the past few years as I’ve started this journey of parenthood with Katie, I’m in awe at the sacrifices my mom continually made to give my siblings and me the very best. One of the things that has helped me more than anything else is the way that she always believed in me and always helped me believe in my dreams, even enough to chase after them. Especially during adolescent years, I believe it’s crucial to have people close to you that believe in you. What a priceless gift my mom gave me by believing in me like she did (and still does). That has played an integral role in me choosing to take so many leaps of faith throughout my life.

And let me tell you about Katie. I can’t help but think of one of my favorite scriptures: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. . . She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. . . her candle goeth not out by night. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all" (Proverbs 31). 

When my Dad gave me counsel concerning marriage, one of the things he focused on was: “Remember, the person that you marry will be the mother of your children. Remember to look for attributes of kindness, selflessness, etc.” As I got to know Katie, I of course knew that she was kind and I loved her gentle nature, but I had no idea how completely she would give herself to our children. She loves them and devotes herself to them with such an amazing love that I imagine that that must be how the Lord loves.

And just like my mom, I’m grateful for how Katie believes in me and for how much that helps me as I continue to pursue my dreams. I’m grateful for how supportive she is and how she literally “holds down the fort” while I’m immersed in different musical projects. Katie has breathed faith back into my heart when I’ve needed it, has been a calm amidst personal storms, and is responsible for giving me the happiness that I enjoy in life because of our relationship and because of our two beautiful boys and our perfect little girl. The love songs that I sing have so much meaning because of them, and my gratitude to the Lord (for them) will never have an end.

And on a lighter note, after just seeing all Katie went through during pregnancy and then the delivery of Marigold, I’ve learned that Jim Gaffigan had it right all along! “When you think of the male contribution to life, it's kind of embarrassing, really." And that pretty much sums it up, ladies and gentlemen!

Thank you to ALL the women who contribute so much good and have an incredible influence in this world. You are appreciated more than you'll ever know.

Make sure to see Nathan Pacheco live at a TOFW event near you and check out his albums at Deseret Book or deseretbook.com.