Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Happy Birthday, Josh!

Well, I'm a day late in writing this, because Josh has been working on an exegesis paper until all hours, so I have not had access to our computer at all. This is not a complaint -- I'm proud of how smart Josh is and how hard he works.

So my husband is 29, like me. The longer we are married, and the more we are around one another, the more grateful I am that the Lord has given me this person to walk through life with. Here are some Josh-specific things that I have come to enjoy more than I thought possible back when we were celebrating his 20th birthday:

  • His love for the Word, and truth. It is amazing to watch someone grow in godliness before your very eyes; it is even more amazing when it is your husband. His growth is visible. He is far more patient, more humble, and more passionate about the gospel at 29 than ever before. I say those things to honor him. He was a great guy when I married him. But even after a sort of "Reformation" period in his life, I see his growth abounding and not plateauing at all. I cannot say what a blessing it is to have your chief spiritual adviser and accountability partner to share your home with.
  • His love for people. A few years ago, Josh might have noted this as a main struggle, spiritually. You could never guess that now by the way he invests in his friends, and kindly loves the unlovable around him. He reaches out to the nonbelievers at work, showing the greatest love for them by sharing the gospel with them at his own personal risk of incurring their judgment or dislike.
  • His adaptability. Being flexible and adaptable comes mainly from living your life not insisting on your own rights, and building up expectations. I have recently noticed Josh, who has always been rather easy-going, intentionally lay down his own preferences to adapt to what others would prefer. This is a quality that makes him a delight to live with. When Josh says he doesn't care what we have for supper, he really means it! He doesn't have an idol of food that must be satisfied every time he eats -- he is satisfied in Christ. What a blessing for a wife who is doing the best she can, and is always spread a bit thin in the homemaking department.
Happy Birthday, Josh! You are an example of the kind of husband a girl should hope and pray for, and I am so proud to be able to refer to you in that way.

15 comments:

MadMup said...

I say this without any hyperbole at all: Josh is one of the best guys I have ever known, and you two make a great couple.

sara said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!! What nice things you had to say about Josh. I like how you said he loves the unlovable. What an amazing quality! I hope and pray that someday I will be able to fully do that (with God's help :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Gret Josh set the standard for son in laws..Happy birthday..DAD

Anonymous said...

How sweet Gretchen! Happy Birtday to Josh, and many more! :)

Anonymous said...

durn!!! That was ME Anna! :) hehe...I will comment on his Facebook and tell Josh happy BirTday myself.

M. Kate said...

A very honoring post Gret. Nice work. Sounds like Josh made it pretty easy to write.

Happy day Josh!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Josh! You are both so young. :)

James and Christen said...

Happy Birthday Diaper-Head!!!!!

Love - Daniel

Anonymous said...

Gretchen--praying for "Josh's" for my two girls.

Unca John

jillybean said...

I miss you guys! I miss being able to talk whenever...

Happy Birthday, Josh! Come and see us. I know your lives are crazy busy, but we can always meet you on your way north!

jillybean said...

Hey Gret, Can you send me email address again? I have 3 pictures scanned and ready to send to you.

Thanks!
Jillia

GloryandGrace said...

Yay for husband birthdays!! My husband's was yesterday, and I was able to take the day off from work to enjoy the day with him (pictures to come).

And just so you know, I read the entire last third of "Each..." in one sitting last night -- bawled my eyes out. NO IDEA it was going to end that way!!! I gave my dogs an extra big hug when I left the house this morning :)

Emily said...

I loved this post, because I love Josh. Everything you said is so true, and you didn't exagerate at all. In many ways Josh has changed my life. He is most definitly a brother, not just a brother-in-law. Dad's right, you know I want someone who will treat me like Josh treats you. :)
-emily

Anonymous said...

I'd like to add my 2 cents to this blog. You are two fine Christian people, and we at Calvary miss you both. The twins learned alot from you and I appreciate it. Peyton read me a story about Helen Keller and when she was able to figure out the hand language, Peyton cried, Praise the Lord!! Paige and Lauren are in DLO "The Music Man", next week. The girls are doing just great, as is their mother. Lots of prayers. God is good. Happy Birthday late Josh, Fran Reese

Mandy said...

Hope you had a good one Josh! You are a great guy and I agree with everything too! Nobody can say it like Gret...

Love and miss you guys