Thirty-One years ago today, the love of my life was born into this world. The two greatest things in my life, of which I am least deserving are these: First, to be born again into the family of God, chosen, redeemed, forgiven, and set apart. Second, to be loved by such a man. I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would ever be loved in such a sacrificial, selfless, wholly devoted manner. I’m so thankful to be married to Jeffrey Scott Patterson. Here are a few reasons:
1. He is truly selfless, more selfless than any person I’ve ever met.
2. He is genuine in everything that he does.
3. No menial or humble task is beneath him.
4. He genuinely loves people for their sake, regardless of their status, without thought of his own gain.
5. He’ll eat anything, wear anything, live anywhere, do anything, and be perfectly and absolutely content. He is the easiest person to please on earth.
6. He devours God’s word like nothing I’ve ever seen.
7. He’s obsessed with truth, the gospel, Christ. Obsessed.
8. He never gets offended.
9. He never loses patience with me when I get offended (or am grumpy or moody or angry or frustrated!).
10. He loves and honors his parents and mine.
11. He’s willing to take his week of vacation and spend it on a family road trip with my parents and brother’s family, riding in the backseat of his own car for 800 miles between two small children while his father-in-law drives. (I know, this one takes the cake!)
12. He never worries about money.
13. He prays.
14. He’s never spoken a harsh word to me. Never.
15. He feels deeply and is grieved by sin.
16. He never demands his own way.
17. He plays with Dutch, gives him baths, puts him to bed. He makes oatmeal every morning and boils the water for my tea.
18. He is open-handed and generous with money. (way more than me!)
19. He works hard at his job–and always has, even in the past when he hasn’t liked his jobs.
20. He brags about others’ accomplishments, like my brother’s, without feeling threatened or insecure.
21. He truly rejoices in the successes of others.
22. He’s not materialistic.
23. He changes diapers. He actually volunteers to change diapers.
24. He’s humble.
25. He loves to read.
26. He keeps our family a priority.
27. He sat through the five hours of Pride & Prejudice movie, and actually loved it. That’s a man!
28. He waited to kiss me until our wedding day. He’s made up for lost time every since. 🙂
29. He reads my blog.
30. He cheers me on, promotes me, and empowers me like no one else.
31. He is a godly man, worthy of my love and respect. I’m so thankful to be Mrs. Jeffrey Patterson.
Happy Birthday, hon. I love you.
2 thoughts on “31 Things: Happy Birthday to my man.”
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It was worth the extra day wait to read. I’m humbled and desire to continually be this type of man, husband and father. I’m so thankful to have you, Kari, as my wonderful wife. What an amazing it has been, and will continue to be.
Having lived with Jeff and Kari more than a year, I can attest to the truth of Kari’s 31 points. We are so blessed to have a son-in-law who blesses our daughter and our grandchildren. We love him! mom