to my husband (but you get a sneak peek too!)....

it is hard to believe that tomorrow marks five years since we said, "I do."
five years since we promised to love and cherish one other in sickness and in health...
five years since i pledged my submission to his authority
five years since he pledged to be my leader and protector.

five years...
laughter
tears
joy
arguments
unity
disagreements
babies
losses
better
worse

michael...
i love you more today than yesterday...
much, much more than i could have even fathomed five years ago...
it has been an incredible journey,
seeing how God uses even that which is painful or frustrating
to grow us closer to one another,
to open my eyes to what a gift you truly are,
God's gift to me...
your strength so beautifully matches my weakness...
your logic and wisdom balances my emotion...
your steadiness and reliance on God tempers my tendency to fear and anxiety.
you draw me to God...
you lead me gently and compassionately...
you sacrifice on my behalf....
you love our daughters so tenderly--it brings tears to my eyes to think of it.

if someone had told me the true extent of sacrifice marriage would take
how hard it really can be at times,
i might have been afraid.
and yet,
after five years i can see so clearly looking back...
it is worth it...
sacrifice brings reward...
love is so much more than a feeling...
there is incredible, beautiful safety and peace in submission...
there is great joy in being your helper...

i would do it all over again....in a heartbeat....

i. love. you.