Dear Matt,

Twenty-four years ago you came into this world, not knowing what the future would hold. Not knowing where you’d be in almost a quarter century, not having the faintest idea of the adventures God had in store for you. I was the same way 24 years ago- not knowing, not caring.

As you grew older, you learned the art of selflessness, always giving, always loving, always strong in your steadfast nature. People around you came to love you for your sense of humor, your servant’s heart.

And still, I had no idea you were there.

As you moved into high school and college, you made that leap from boy to man, still selfless, still wonderful. Your parents were proud to watch you grow and your love for the Lord and sense of uprightness only increased as you grew. And yet still, I had no idea.

A chance encounter led us to meet that Friday night in Radford, and though I didn’t take much notice, you remembered me. You thought of me, prayed for me and conversed with me when I needed someone to talk to on those long duty nights as an RA. You got excited for me when I told you I was going on Summer Project, and you were secretly glad because you were going on the same missions trip. And yet still, I had no idea. Wrapped up in my own self-absorbed universe, I couldn’t take notice of you because of how warped my expectations of a Godly man had become.

Yet you were there, calm, patient and quiet-spirited, waiting for me to notice you.

And then one day, after a season of utter brokenness, I saw you. There you were with your strong arms, your fierce protection and your desire to see me grow in my faith. The way you asked to hold my hand on our first date, the way you took nothing for granted and never pushed me to commit before I was ready. The way you waited for me, so so patiently.

I can’t believe that you’re mine, love. You’re a treasure, a dream, and you’re infinitely more good than I can ever imagine. You never cease to surprise me with your selflessness, your ability to love me when I’m being utterly unlovable, and your deep wisdom when I’m being short-sighted. I’m so thankful for August 15th, 1988 because it marks the date in history when, unbeknownst to me, my life changed forever.

Happy birthday, Matt.