Happy Birthday.

This post presents a certain amount of risk…

No, I am not posting a cartoon of a certain Islamic figure, revealing mob secrets or defending Charlie Sheen…what I am about to do is infinitely more dangerous.

I am posting my wife's age. Here it is. FIFTY.

She will mark this golden anniversary of a swift spank from her mother's OB/GYN on March 6th, and far be it for me to let such an auspicious occasion go without recognition and celebration. I have dedicated the entire month to daily little gifts and gestures to let her know that she is loved. Without revealing any surprises let me say that considerable thought has gone into this month-long birthday itinerary, and I suspect I may be enjoying this a bit more than she is.

Michelle is a gift to me. I am undeserving of so many of the generous gifts God has blessed me with, and most certainly she is the greatest; she loves me despite my weaknesses and foibles, reflecting the love of God in such an intimate and comforting way. She loves our children with a devotion that is quite nearly palpable in the very air of our home. She is insightful and warm, and those qualities have endeared her to so many. Most admirably, she has a love for Jesus that colors her every move. I am quite certain that as I stand in judgment before our Lord He will welcome me into His Kingdom on her recommendation. No man could ask for more.

When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands.

Like merchant ships, she secures her provisions from afar.
She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household.
She picks out a field to purchase; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is girt about with strength, and sturdy are her arms.

She enjoys the success of her dealings; at night her lamp is undimmed.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.
She fears not the snow for her household; all her charges are doubly clothed.

She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing.
Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land.
She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel.
She watches the conduct of her household, and eats not her food in idleness.
Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her:
"Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all."

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Proverbs 31:10-31

Consider this post my praise at the gate…Happy Birthday, beloved.