To my love, on his birthday:
When I first met you, and as I considered whether you were the man God had given to me as a companion, the thing that struck me about you was how clearly you exemplified the fruit of the Spirit. Like no one else I had ever met, you were continually marked by your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
And while I have only had the privilege of knowing you for just over three years, I am seeing that fruit in a deeper way. Every decision you make, your first priority is love for the other. No matter the circumstances, you have deep joy that girds you up. Even in the face of conflict, your heart desires peace and understanding. As a teammate, you are kind in your words and actions, seeking to serve and assist and cover over with grace areas of weaknesses in others. You always seek to see the good in others or in situations. You are unbelievably gentle with your not-so-gentle wife and with those you disagree with. You are constantly striving to manage your time and body and mind so that you are growing to look more like Jesus.
Over these last three years, I see Christ working in you, growing and stretching you and calling you higher. We have faced unexpected challenges that He is using to mold and make you and I to look more like Him; I am ever so grateful for your humble posture towards His gracious hand.
No matter what we face in the coming years, I treasure the gift God has given me in you. May His face continue to shine on you, may His hand continue to guide you, and may each of the days he has given you continue to point directly to your King and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday, Joel!
What you’ll find here is a collection of musings, thoughts, writings, and ramblings about things I’m reading, watching, and thinking about. It’s my goal to inspire, encourage, and instruct my fellow sisters in their walk with Jesus and their understanding of the Word.
- Erika Recommends: Best Books of 2021 - December 15, 2021
- Slow-Going in the Fast Lane - October 14, 2021
- A Taste You Can Feel In Your Cheeks - September 29, 2021
