9493 days ago I met this really cute blond girl in the lobby of her college dorm. A couple months later I was thrilled she agreed to go out with me.  You can read more about our relationship here.

As Amy and I started dating it became clear that she set a benchmark of kindness, humility and thoughtfulness that far exceeded my own.

Amy does not pursue unsolicited attention for her actions, but I watched and wondered, “Could I ever be like her?”

Twenty five years of admiration, I am still far beneath her standards, but I’m grateful for her patience as I try to fight my inclination to be self-centered.

When we were dating we read another high benchmark, “My soul is crushed with longing after your ordinances at all times.” 1

Wow, “crushed with longing”, the lyricist wanted a deep emotional connection to God’s standards.

Another singer might have sung, “I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations…What I want most of all and at all times is to honor your laws…My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—insatiable for your nourishing commands.” 2

Today’s my wife’s birthday, and we’re heading to get some Thai food for lunch. To re-apply the phrase, my stomach “is starved and hungry, ravenous.”

Happy birthday Amy! 

Thanks Amy for being such a great role model for me and for everyone who sees Jesus through you or sees you through me.

1 & 2 – Psalm 119:20