Twenty years ago today I married the girl of my dreams. What a ride it has been for us. I know there have been times along the way and even a few seasons where neither of us ever dreamed we would make it to this day. My kids had the sweetest congratulatory notes all over the house this morning when we got up. Proverbs 18:22 says, “A man’s greatest treasure is his wife— she is a gift from the Lord.” God smiled on me when he gave me Michelle and I treasure her more today than at any time in my life.

Here are the top 10 things I love about Michelle. They are in no particular order of importance - and there are of course, many other things I love about her.

1. Michelle has amazing character. Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband…She is the same around people and in private. Her character is strong and it runs deep. She does what is right.
2. Michelle has incredible discernment. She sees things in people that I am oblivious to…good things and dangerous things. This is a spiritual gift and I rely on her God-given radar all the time.
3. Michelle is an incredible friend. Even when we have gone through difficult times we have enjoyed a spirit of friendship. She pours into my life daily and is anxious to hear about how I am doing and how my day went. She is a courageous friend who speaks truth in love to me on a consistent basis.
4. Michelle is an awesome Mother. Our kids are blessed to have her. She has sacrificed consistently of herself that they could have a better life. Alli, Emily, Bailey, Drew, and Grace are the center of her world and she has answered God’s call to raise them to love Jesus and be like him.
5. Michelle loves animals. She has some of that Dr. Doolittle vibe going on. I have seen this even more since we moved to our current home. She is up to milk her two dairy goats every morning by 7:00 no matter what (God hasn’t called me to help in this area to date)
6. Michelle has a heart-flipping smile. (This is code for the fact that she is super hot - OH BABY!)
7. Michelle is a hard worker. There isn’t a lot of rest when you have a high maintenance husband, five kids, four acres, seven goats, seventeen chickens, six ducks, two dogs, two cats, sing in our worship team, and go to two services every Sunday. Maybe this is why her and the girl (Jenny) at Starbucks are on a first name basis…gotta have that caffeine!
8. Michelle is forgiving and gracious. I have made some terribly selfish mistakes on this journey called marriage. I have been the recipient of grace and forgiveness on a scale that is difficult for me to put into words. The best human example of Jesus in my life has been Michelle - hands down.
9. Michelle loves and supports me. I figure I am quickly approaching 500 different talks she has endured over the seven and a half years. I feel sorry for her. She has always been honest, supportive, and affirming. Pastors can be so insecure. I can be so insecure. I’m getting better (more secure) and she is a big reason for the change.
10. Michelle loves Jesus. From the day I first saw her I knew she marched to a different drumbeat. Jesus had rocked her life and everything and everyone else came in second to Jesus. That has never changed. She is head over heals in love with him and I can’t help but think that if we arrived at heaven’s gate at the same time, she would knock me out of the way to get to him first.

Finally, I want to thank Fellowship. You have shared the best years of our life. Our elders blessed us (they do this a lot) for our anniversary. They represent their God and their church well. Thanks!