Happy Birthday

I love you in the silence and in the busyness.  I've loved you for what seems to be a long time now, and it's become a part of me that I gratefully accept every day.  I loved you a year ago (but you didn't know it yet!) when you tearfully prayed that the Church should be a City on a Hill.  I loved you when we were standing out in the cold (but you didn't know it yet!) and you told me about the sheep who follow the Shepherd because they love him, and the sheep who follow the Shepherd only because they love the direction He is going.  And I loved you tonight while I was at the library writing my paper.  And I'm glad that you know it tonight.

Thank you for being patient with me when I panic over things I can't control.  And for reminding me of the truth.  Thank you for your humble leadership.  Thank you for listening to me, and thank you for being firm when you needed to be--even if I got annoyed at the time!  Thank you for putting others before yourself every day.  Thank you for laying down your life for me.  Thank you for your gentleness and your strength.  Both are very precious to me.  Thank you for being southern dragon to me, and for loving me when I am northern dragon.  Thank you for drawing me to the road, and for helping me keep in step with the Shepherd.

I'm glad we both like waffles and sushi, and that you like my crazy hair.  I'm glad that we both find comfort in a quiet evening and a movie and a pint of icecream.  I'm glad that you understand movies like "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead."  And that you can explain them to me.  I'm glad you like Ale8, and that you don't mind the fact the I like Cheerwine.  I'm glad you hold your ground when it matters most, no matter what anyone says.    

I love you, and on your birthday I hope you know that you mean more to me than I could ever say.  Happy Birthday, and here's to all the many birthdays we will celebrate together in the years to come!

I love you more every day, and I can't wait to be your wife!