It is crazy and wonderful to me that before Jake was even born, God had ordained this birthday in particular for him - a birthday that is 82 days away from when I get to start a new life with him. Wow! For lack of more poetic words - that is so cool.
I am so thankful for Jake - thankful for his parents who raised him well, thankful for his heart that loves the Lord, thankful that God called him to a better way of living, thankful that his relationship didn't stop at believing but that he continues to grow.
I know that he continues to grow because I see how he treats me, and I see how his heart is constantly changing. I am convinced that a marriage relationship is just about the hardest thing. I am also convinced that it can be just about the best thing on this earth. I recently read an article that had a line in it that I loved: "The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the Gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The Gospel is—we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared to believe, and at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." (original article) There is no one who sees my flaws more than Jake does (other than Jesus, of course), and who loves me so well in spite of them.
So Jake, as a tribute to your birthday, I wanted to share with the people around us that our relationship is far from perfect, far from easy, and far from simple. It is, however, the most wonderful thing ever, because you are so kind, so loving, so sincere and gentle, so strong and so sweet. Most of all you make life more fun and the difficult times enjoyable, with your cute humor, your spontaneous dance parties, your genuine laugh and smile, and the selfless way you drop everything at all times just to make me laugh.
YOU are wonderful, and a man to be celebrated every day, but especially today!
