Happy Birthday, Husband!

Today is a Shafferland national holiday! It is Ryan's birthday, and I am so thrilled to celebrate another year with him!

Today we are both doing our best to NOT think about last year's birthday...

Ahhh, yes. Turning forty was delightful and sunny and all vacation-y. And then you know. Pandemics and masks and quarantined celebrations. But OH my goodness, how very grateful I am that on this day we can celebrate together. I have read of couples who had to be apart on birthdays because one was hospitalized and the other couldn't even visit. That breaks every little part of my soul. I am so grateful for Ryan's health and the chance to be with him on this day.

And I'm grateful for the past year we've enjoyed together. Everything is the same: Ryan makes each day a grand adventure. And yet everything is different: we have enjoyed so many new and unexpected adventures over the year. Here are a few of the highlights of how he used this year to serve the Lord and bring joy to those around him!

He is always willing to help people with projects they can't do on their own - and he did that multiple times in the last year. He doesn't always observe safety measures I'd prefer, but he does a great job! I have to work at not being too protective of his time - so he is free to serve - but I love that his heart wants to do this, always.

He has pitched in and served (sometimes literally) at most of the events I spoke at/worked with this past year. We're obviously not in a season where I'm able to travel and speak currently, but I'm grateful for all the times he went with me when I could! Having him there to pray for me as I work and just to be a comforting presence for me goes a long way in helping me do my very best job. 

He has worked so hard to make our yard look beautiful! Indeed, I believe the outside of the house looks the best it ever has since we moved in!

He has continuously worked so hard to serve at church - in every capacity - and here are just a few glimpses of that!

He made me laugh all year long...

He took me on all kinds of grand (and brand new) adventures - like the air show we went to last fall! (And he carried the lawn chairs!)

He made the best date for every adventure we went on, all year long.

He did a LOT of heavy lifting. :)

He encouraged me to be brave - because my chicken heart took over a lot. :)

He celebrated all the versaries with me. Months, engagements, and years!

He voluntarily washed windows. (I have to give credit where credit is due, and no I do not take this for granted!)

He sent me selfies when I was gone at a conference and hardly able to stand how much I missed him!

He not only tagged along when I had took pictures for people, but he grabbed a camera and helped take the pictures!

Did I mention he helped me be brave?

He is always a great teammate, and this past year he helped so much with small group things - both our own group and helping run the program at church. (This first picture was from when we met up with our group to wrap Christmas gifts for the Rescue Mission and the second one was when we completed a study last fall.)

He's been a great friend and encourager to SO many people!

He surprised me with amazing dates that made me feel so loved and special.

He has embraced my Pinterest-induced vision for our house and has done amazing things to make it look even better in the past year. (Who are we kidding? Past two MONTHS! Thanks, quarantine!)

He has relaxed with me and made time at home a true joy.

He's the best breakfast-maker.

With all the changes that have come about in the last couple of months, he's rolled with every punch. His work has changed multiple times, and he has embraced each change without complaining - or fear.

He has provided for us as the official store-runner for the house.

And he's made a safe place for my heart in a scary time.

Yes, this year's actual birthday may look quite different from years gone by, but Ryan's unwavering determination, faith, perseverance, and love haven't changed. I appreciate how he has chosen to spend his year of being 40 - and how he chooses to spend EVERY year of his life. I'm grateful he chose me!

I love you, Ryan! I hope today is wonderful!

Your Bekah