40 Reasons I'm Grateful On Your 40th Birthday

1) You make me laugh like nobody.
2) Your character and integrity precede you.
3) You show unconditional love to all those in your world.
4) You're over-the-top optimistic (I love this...really, I do).
5) You seek to love me as Christ loves the Church.
6) You reveal your heart to me.
7) You engage in the lives of those around you and really, truly care about them.
8) Your heart's cry is holiness.
9) You're my favorite coffee partner.
10) You watch the Food Network with me without ever complaining.
11) You're the most forbearing person I know. You overlook my flaws and faults (though they are many).
12) You pray for me.
13) You humbly apologize when you're wrong.
14) You readily forgive me when I'm wrong.
15) You're my biggest fan.
16) You bring needed balance and perspective to my life.
17) You live what you teach and set an incredible model for our boys to follow.
18) You humbly and quietly give, serve, and encourage.
19) There's sincerely nowhere you'd rather be than home with your family.
20) You make "friends" wherever you go...from the barista to the gas station employee. You've never met a stranger.
21) You still hold my hand..."Can I borrow this?"
22) You are faithful, loyal, and completely devoted to me and our boys.
23) You show respect and honor to all, specifically the "older" generation.
24) You fiercely protect and shield me.
25) You still take me out on dates.
26) You want to be more like Jesus.
27) You seek to hear and understand my heart.
28) You teach God's Word with passion, humility, and conviction.
29) While you disciple so many other teenagers, you start with our very own boys.
30) You're the vanilla to my tiramisu.
31) You pray over our boys every night.
32) You stop at the grocery store to pick up items I forgot, never, ever complaining.
33) You don't mind being my "guinea pig" for the umpteenth new recipe I'm trying out.
34) You have genuine enthusiasm for life and exude such joy.
35) You married a sinner. I did, too. But because of the cross, we're forgiven.
36) You believe in me and support my dreams.
37) You're the epitome of "real." What you see is what you get.
38) You make me feel safe and secure.
39) You come home to me every night.
40) You chose me.

While I've been a part of 22 of your first 40 years of life, I can say with absolute joy and eagerness that I can't wait to share all of the next 40. As long as God gives us breath, it is my heart's great delight to set our eyes on Christ and follow Him together.

So thankful you're mine. Happy 40th Birthday, Jonny ~ I love you so much!