For the father in this house...

Love is patient...
waiting for me to find the right words
waiting for me to find something I lost
as Anna screams from the backseat

Love is kind...
when opening the car door
sitting on the couch to relax with Anna
fixing the bed so a finicky wife can rest peacefully

It does not envy...
but is content to know that we have the least we've ever had and are the happiest we've ever been

It does not boast...
even though you are the best husband, father, friend, and leader we could ask for

It is not proud...
you ask me what I think
you continue to learn from others
you seek wisdom and understanding from the Truth

It is not rude...
but tells me I'll look beautiful in whatever I wear
listens to others and responds thoughtfully

It is not self-seeking...
but will make dinner, take a second job, clean the house, change diapers, fix what's broken, go to the grocery store, and work all day all week

It is not easily angered...
even when keys are lost or money is tight or dinner is burned or the car needs fixing or there is poop in the tub :)

It keeps no record of wrongs...
even when I yell or get irritated too easily or food has been thrown to the floor by a certain toddler

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth...
in reading His word every day and seeking His will for our family and trusting He will lead us as we walk with Him.

It always protects...
We are covered in the prayers of your heart and because you serve the Protector

Always trusts...
Even though I have failed you and made a zillion mistakes you trust me with teaching our daughter
and to continue to move forward in this life with you

Always hopes...
in serving in ministry together
in the growing we have to look forward to
in training our daughter in the way she should go
in the possibilities laid out for us

Always perseveres...
through nights with a crying newborn and a crying wife
through days filled with poopy diapers and vomit-filled laundry
through this life with us

Love never fails...
you have been here for me for six years
you have been here for Anna for a year and a half
I know you will be here until our Father says, "The end" and we all live happily ever after

Love for Papa from your wife and daughter...we are so blessed by you.