Today is my sweet, caring, handsome husband’s birthday. If you haven’t met Josiah, you should know he is kind and funny. He laughs big, loves big, and cares for the people around him in really specific ways. He’s the first to forgive and the first to ask for forgiveness (even when I’m the one more at fault.) He’s loyal to his friends and puts in the time and effort to make sure the people around him feel seen and cared for. He’s wise beyond his years - which is pretty wise considering how old he is (sorry love - just had to get one birthday joke in there.)
He is quick to listen, quick to learn, and quick to love. When he’s passionate about something, he’ll read approximately 73 books on the subject, talk endlessly about it, and share “funny” bits of what he’s reading. (You should be warned he will laugh much, much harder than you while reading anything by G.K. Chesterton.)
He’s an incredible writer and teacher. And he’s incredibly humble. Most wouldn’t know how well he balances being a full-time pastor, seminary student, lifelong learner, loving husband and father, and friend to more people than I can count. Most wouldn’t know so I’ll just tell you - Josiah wakes up before the buttcrack of dawn at 4am. He takes care of our dog, he kisses me on the cheek while I sleep, and then he goes to his office to work for several hours on schoolwork or reading. He then works a full day pastoring at the church, usually more than 40 hours a week with absolutely no complaint. He loves to pastor people, answer questions, sit with them in their pain, comfort them. He’s amazing at what he does, and most people only see a tiny glimpse of that when he preaches on Sunday mornings.
When he comes home, he plays with our daughter and loves her. He delights in her and I can’t help but thank the Lord for how Abbie is getting this picture of how her heavenly father delights in her from her dad. He reads to her, laughs with her, takes her on walks and plays with her at the playground. He helps me care for our home even when he would be completely justified in just kicking his feet up and watching tv for the evening. He reads before bed and kisses me goodnight.
If someone would have told me I’d marry a man like this, I would’ve thought it was too good to be true. Josiah is one of my favorite gifts from the Lord, and I can hardly believe I’m married to him most days.
Today, at his request, we’re eating lunch together and burgers for dinner. We’re going to go on a little date night to the movies and eat too much popcorn. It seems too simple a celebration even though it’s what he wants. I want there to be fireworks and confetti and a carnival. I want the whole world to celebrate this man with me. But he wants a quiet evening together and a simple meal. Isn’t that just like him? To be so worth a big celebration and instead to choose a quiet evening?
I hope I become more like this man every day. I’ve learned so much about life and love and loyalty from him already, and it’s an honor to be his wife.
Here’s to you babe. Happy birthday.
Photo by Jenna L. Richman Photography