Daniel's birthday [25]

Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life!

Today is such a special day. It is hard to believe that 25 years ago today, the Lord allowed my future husband to be born. Even before that time, God knew the names of our children and the path that our life together would take. It is overwhelming to me to think that on this day, God's plan for Daniel's life was already perfected in his heart. And I know that as of this moment in our life, we are exactly where we are supposed to be in that plan. It's remarkable!

I am just as in love with this man today as I was almost 9 years ago when he first kissed me. I look at him and I am in awe of the man that he has become. We have changed since that first winter night together. We are much different. But there are things that have not changed. For instance, the way that I feel when he walks through the door at the end of a long day. The sympathy I feel for him when his body aches or he doesn't feel well. The amount of respect I have for him. The desire I have to listen to him speak about the Lord. Today is a day that I want to spend celebrating this man; the father to my children.

He is gentle. He is funny. He is sometimes angry. He is aggressive. He is loving. He is quiet. He is firm. He is patient. He is passionate. He is talented. He is strong; so so strong. He is faithful. He is honest (to a fault.) He is compassionate with me. He is handsome. He is perfect for me.

Today I feel slightly sad for the mailman, though. It has been raining here for the last couple of days and today it is just barely snowing. However, the wind is so strong that I can feel the bitterness of it coming through the cracks of our walls. I know that his face will feel chapped and sore after walking in the cold all day. He will be tired. He is always tired.

In the beginning days of the bitter cold we have only been out a couple of times. Once was for the Christmas parade which the kids enjoyed...

But other than that, we are trying to stay warm. Bare feet running on the floors make me cringe. They seem so cold. But the kids seem un-phased by it all. They adapt to life as it comes to them and I love their resilience. I am enjoying cuddle time under blankets and kisses stolen in the warmth of our living room. This is still, and will forever be, my favorite time of year.

Tonight we are celebrating Daniel's birthday with an ice cream cake and family. Simple and quiet, we will hold one another and be thankful for another day to celebrate the gift of life. The gift that God chose to give to us; because after all, He is the life-giver. What an awesome thought.

I pray you are thankful for life today as well. This greatest blessing. This most powerful opportunity. This life that is so glorious because of the God who loves us. He cares for us. He protects us. He furthers our days. It is God that we will celebrate today. And everyday.