Prayer for Shelly on her Birthday

Almighty God, it is impossible for me to adequately express your greatness, goodness and love. In your sovereignty, from your throne in heaven, you crafted every aspect of my life. You made it so when the time was right I would need to find employment, a time when Arby's was hiring, and you in your foresight placed me their. You didn't leave me to flounder, you placed me working side by side with my future wife. So, many things I could not fathom then, but you did, Lord. You were blessing me in ways I wasn't asking, before I could see it, at a time when I couldn't even thank you. You loved me in ways that are unimaginable. The years to us were as a blink in your eye, as you brought your plan to fruition. You looked after me, sought my joy and peace, even as I was disobedient.

At the time when you were structuring my life, you also held your loving hand to Shelly. Looking after her even before she knew you. In the same way you drew me, you drew her, draped her with your mercy. You called her to Kalamazoo where, just as you planned, she would not only find me, but she would find you. The gift of the Holy Spirit was greater than we were capable of understand. An intimate bond with each other, and you. The promise of a cord of three.

Yet, in the light of your righteousness, with knowledge of the blessings you have poured out on me, I fail so often. You have instructed me to love my wife in the way Christ loved the church, but he was selfless, while I am selfish. He sacrificed his very life, while I begrudge minutes I don't deem as useful. He had unneeded humility, while I have unmerited pride. Have mercy on me. When you inspired Paul to write that love is patient and kind, you knew how hard this would be for me. Forgive me for trampling on the opportunities you give me love, by replacing it with annoyance. I feel like a spoiled child. These thing intrude on the relationship I have with you, my wife, my family and friends.

You haven't, though, lifted you hand from me, even in my sin, and I am thankful. My wife continues to be the greatest gift you have given me, teaching me love and insight and, in your humor, humility. I see her love for you grow everyday, and I am inspired. I recognize the way you draw us, both separately and together, to you and I stand amazed. You have blessed us with four healthy children, who are learning to love you and a home to keep them in and a job to pay for the home. You gave drawn Shelly's father to you late in life, giving them a relationship which would be impossible without you. You give in such great abundance. The relationships which nestle us and keep us may be human hands, but it is your heart we see. Our friends and family who love you. The church family, which we miss when we are gone and desire to spend time with. The work you have for us is hard God, but I am so thankful for those you gave us to do that work with.

You have provided so much, it is hard for me to think of anything to request of you for me. If it be your will, allow my wife to enjoy her birthday, let her see your love in everything around her and protect her. If it be your will, begin to work on those family members who either don't believe in you, or have no time for you. Allow us to be used by you. Shape me to be a better husband and father, let me get better at love. You have given my wife the desire for me to be a Godly man, give me the wisdom and strength to continually live up to that desire.

I call to you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.