To My Husband for Our Anniversary (Days 85-91 of Quitting the Bible)

Last week, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary. Days eighty-five through ninety-one of my pause for the cause from the Bible presented a lesson in do-overs and love.

During our last anniversary, my husband did something that really upset me.

I had forgotten about it, or rather, I did not have it on the top or bottom of my mind for quite some time. Whenever I thought about our last anniversary, I remembered the good memories we had on our trip, how he became ill, but the offense did not come to mind.

My husband did not forget.

This year he sought to make it up to me. He did not say a word as he secretly plotted and planned to make this one memorable for good reasons.

The day before leaving on our anniversary trip, he came home with different gifts.

Both of us do not care much for gifts. It is so low in our love language, that sometimes we do not exchange gifts. Yet, these gifts had such significant personal meaning.

When I opened my presents, I felt so overcome with emotion that I walked away, returned, walked away again, spun in a circle (yes, spun) all while struggling to find words. Hey, I did not know what to do with myself.

Both of us had tears in our eyes after reading the message my husband had written.

We hugged.

And we shared more tears.

My husband has a way of putting so much thought and care to make a moment truly special that connect with my heart.

I do not cry over gifts. I cried over these.

No-I am not sharing what they are (ahem, thus, the personal meaning part).

I learned another lesson in Christ from my husband: Love goes above and beyond. It humbly takes responsibility, atones, and seeks healing. Love cultivates joy. It brings good news.

My husband has read every blog post I have written.

So, I know he will read this one.

The rest of this post is a message to him.

Surprise, My Love.

—

My Love,

Thank you for inspiring me like one I have ever met. Although I draw inspiration from the world around me, you are my inspiration. There is a difference.

Do you ever get tired of me saying that?

I hope you know how special you are. I hope you know from the depth of your soul the significance you have in my life and in the world.

You are truly a rare gift.

You teach me with your life-your journey.

I appreciate you for who you are.

Your struggles and failings.

Your resiliency and love.

Your thirst for knowledge.

You embody art meets science.

You have quite the influence on me.

Man, you got me listening to Jerry Garcia.

Still can’t believe it.

I love your many faces. I love how you say a lot with just a look in your eyes. I love learning your special language.

Your presence and energy flows with care.

I love your personality and your little quirks.

I love the things that even get on my nerves. I love your grace whenever I get on your last one.

And you make me laugh.

Except when you do impressions of me. You purposely exaggerate, and I think you need to stop.

But you won’t.

Both of us know this.

And it still brings a smile to my face.

You move me with your heart. Whether it is slow dancing on the rooftop in the city on a summer night or laughing about our favorite scenes in a comedy movie, I love hanging out with you.

I enjoy how we can connect different aspects of life to a Seinfeld episode.

I like doing everyday life with you. I love that we can go to the grocery store together, and it feels like a field trip.

I love how you love me. I love catching you smiling or chuckling as you look at me. I feel loved by the way you delight in me.

Oh, how I love listening to you. I love hearing what is on your mind and your heart. I love learning from you. I feel blessed to listen to things you have to share.

The artistry and intuitive flare you bring to data and logic.

I love to nerd out listening to you talk data.

And I respect that you are strong-willed. As much as it can cause friction, I feel grateful that you are not easily convinced by every and anything. I respect that you stand in your principles.

I respect that you are not easily swayed.

I admire that you are not a push-over. I love that you know when to swallow your pride, too.

Gosh, you are incredible.

I love how you seek to know God and to grow in the love of God. Your freedom is contagious.

I love how you do not allow your mistakes define your life, and that your faith has kept you through many storms.

I am thankful that your past has been far from perfect because you wouldn’t be who you are today.

I am thankful for the ways it has caused you to have grace for people with questionable pasts.

I am thankful that you are here on this earth in this very moment.

One of the beautiful things that’s so special about you is that you listen and take things to heart, even though you might not look like it.

There is such depth to you- a mystery that even after a lifetime, I won’t quite know.

That’s a good thing.

I love witnessing all the ways you have changed throughout our marriage.

One thing has not changed is this core thread that makes you remarkably unique- the thing that sparked me that was so different: The way you explore aspects of the world and spirituality in relation to yourself.

I have lost count of the times your love reminded me of the love of Christ. Your love overshadows any valley we have walked through.

If there is anyone I want to walk through the valley or climb the mountain (not literally, because we don’t get down like that) with, you are the one.

All of these things and more within one handsome of a handsome man takes my breath away.

God bless you for you.

I respect you.

I love you.

Happy Anniversary.