Today is Tim’s birthday.  He is my favorite person, ever.  And he gives me more reasons every year to be amazed by his character and humbled by his example.  I don’t want to ever pretend to think he’s perfect, or to give the impression that there isn’t occasionally friction between us, but the truth is that there’s never a day that goes by that I am not immeasurably grateful for my husband.

I struggle to put it into words, honestly.  I can’t adequately paint a picture of his heart for you…how he never picks the easier road unless it’s the right road, how he takes so much off my shoulders when what he is bearing already seems like an impossible load, how he can hold up my errors to the truth of the Word without making me feel condemned, how I know he will always choose for himself the worst seat, or the burnt toast, or whatever is the least desirable or the hardest or the thing that will most bless someone else – anyone else.

I’m not like that.  And there are times when it annoys me, ’cause it’s just so much less effort to be selfish and lazy.  I know that’s kind of blunt, but it’s really what is in my heart much of the time, and it shows this disparity – this difference – between Tim and me, that is a constant challenge to my natural bent.  It’s also a regular reminder to me of the grace my husband shows me.  He sees the difference, too, and I’m sure this part of me is anything but beautiful and lovable.  But he loves me still.  He pours out his life for me and for our family still.  I will never get tired of saying how much this has taught me of the depth of Christ’s love.

He is my “better half”, without question.  I am so thankful for any chance to celebrate him.