This is my favorite picture of me.

Why, you ask?

It was Easter morning. My hair practically fixed itself… in a good way. I never feel pretty in selfies, but I did in this case. I also know that I was genuinely happy. Content. Authenticity can be difficult to catch on purpose.

Why do I look so good in white?

Joyfully,

Like the originator of this writing prompt, I cannot think of things that act as my cross to bear. I’m impatient sometimes, but who isn’t?

The only thing that I can think of would be my insatiable desire to always see things improve. Always. Don’t get me wrong. This benefits me greatly professionally and academically. It benefits me insofar as I have control. Once I cannot control the level of excellence something may attain, I have severe problems. I struggle to handle things. My impatience meter explodes. I want to give up.

This even applies to me. For instance: Once, I tried sewing. I became frustrated because I wasn’t an instant natural and expert. I cried. Silliness. I then became frustrated that I had these feelings and couldn’t control them. Things seemed to spiral out of control.

Dumb.

But I have a great life with a wonderful husband and family. So, other complaints are just static.

Love,

Today is your birthday.  An ordinary birthday.  No milestone.  You’re young, but no spring break college guy with ignorance ruling your brain and other organs.

I’ve been married to you less than three years.  I’ll be honest, when we said, “I do,” I thought that was when the short countdown had started that would tick off the seconds until you would stop being as awesome as I hoped you were.

You’ve done the opposite.

You’ve shown me what Christ’s love really is.  Even when I’m feeling as though I am at my worst, you remind me that you love the snot out of me.  That you think the world of me.  And that you love me no matter how horrible and slow and emotionally wrecked I may be.

You’ve shown me what a best friend really is.  My whole life, I searched for best friends who would accept me and be themselves around me as well.  You are that person.  You accept all versions of me: smart, ditsy, polished, grungy, creative, boring, goofy, serious, organized, flaky, grumpy, friendly.

I tell you these things all the time.  I love that about our marriage.  We can give one another what may feel like corny compliments.  But those compliments help us to trust one another even more, since we both struggle to accept ourselves in our imperfections.

Even at your worst, you impress me.  I’d say that you’re better than me when you’re at your worst. But you’d hate that I say that, denying it fervently.  I am continually impressed at how you carefully, diligently, and lovingly join with me to handle conflicts, problems, and concerns.  You’re the best teammate ever.  And I trust you.

So, on this day, an ordinary birthday, I look forward to spending many more birthdays with you.  Traveling with you.  Attempting spontaneity with you.  Seeking Christ with you.  Laughing with you.  Crying with you.  Dancing in the kitchen with you. Making decisions with you.  

Happy birthday,

Your Cute Wife

Today was not a typical day in my life.

But, here’s the rundown on my usual routine.

During those glorious nine months out of the year when school is in session, I wake up around 6:25, depending on how many snooze buttons I tap. I shampoo, condition, wash face, loofa the birfday suit and shave if necessary.  I aim to be out the door by 7:15.

I drive through downtown Columbus to get to work, usually arriving between 7:40 and 7:50.

I teach the teenage masses.  Email collaborators, parents, and colleagues.  Plan for lessons, units, calendars and whatever else is on the horizon.

I leave work around 3:30, drive back through downtown Columbus to hopefully arrive home around 4pm.

At home, I may research engaging teaching strategies, plan lessons (mentally or actually on paper), watch Netflix with The Husband, mentor college students, blog, research crafts, or explore photography world.

Some evenings I may attend a Bible study or church event.  Some nights The Husband will be with clients until late and other nights he will be home the whole time, especially since he has finished school.

I usually go to bed too late around 10 or 11 and then start all over again the next day.

This is my typical.

Love,