It may be Happy New Year to you, but to me it is Happy Birthday Cheryl.
Today is my precious wife Cheryl’s ____th birthday. (I’m smarter than to fill in that blank.)
Let me tell you a little about Cheryl. Cheryl’s greatest desire in life is to give and receive love. She loves doing for other people; giving everything, she has for the benefit of others. At the same time, there is no way I or the boys could ever fill her love quotient, so thankfully, she pours her life into God and others and as a result, others love her greatly.
Cheryl became a Christian as an adult, but because of her intelligence, she quickly grew in her Biblical knowledge. In spite, however, of her usual ability to out-think me, she never second-guesses my decisions and never criticizes me in public. She never says an unkind word about me to others. (Her friends have often told me that.) I always know she is my greatest supporter. Yet Cheryl is not afraid to challenge me and hold me accountable to being a better person. She fits the role of a Biblical wife better than any woman I know and she makes the perfect pastor’s wife. I could never do what I do without her encouragement. Her faith is rock-solid; far greater than mine is at times. We have taken some huge leaps of faith together as a couple and they would have never happened without her willingness and strength. (Thank you, Cheryl, for always allowing me to pursue my dreams.)
Cheryl is a child of God first and a wife and mother second, but I could never imagine anyone having a stronger instinct and desire to be a wife and mother than she has. The best times of her life are when we are doing something together. It doesn’t matter what, as long as she is with me. (I honestly don’t understand that completely, because I am often sarcastic and impatient but I’m glad she feels that way and I want to work to keep that desire in her heart.) The boys and I depend on Cheryl greatly. She keeps our house and lives running efficiently. Cheryl has been a great mom to our boys, allowing the three of us to behave like boys, even in the house, even when she gets nervous that we are “playing a little rough”. That has helped produce a home where our boys (and I) love to be.
Today, on her ____th birthday, I want to honor Cheryl for being my wife. She is my best friend, my lover, and my helpmate. I would not want to face life without her. God knew what He was doing (as He always does) when He led me to Cheryl. I am glad I listened to Him!
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I love you!
PS. Keep dreaming baby. The best is yet to come!
Cheryl…May I add to Ron’s wonderful words what I personally see in you? I see the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I agree with Ron that you are a ‘perfect’ pastor’s wife. Not only are you Ron’s team-mate but you exude the face of Jesus everytime I come into the ‘church’. You are such a comforting welcomer, that I always seek you out and miss you when you are gone. What you did for me this year by surprising me with your presence as I spoke in July was so huge to me. You left your ‘post’ at Grace to come and ‘grace’ me with your support, love and time. It is my honor to call you friend.
Luke 1:28
You are a blessed man
Cheryl is definitely one of those ladies that I aspire to be like. I hope she has a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Cheryl. When I grow up, I want to be just like her. What a wonderful husband to publicly give her such an awesome tribute. I am thankful for our friendship everyday….now, just when are we going out to dinner again so I can learn how to be like Cheryl?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERYL!!!!! What a great tribute! 🙂