“I’m thinking ’bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways,

Maybe it’s all part of a plan.

I’ll just keep on making the same mistakes

Hoping that you’ll understand.

But baby, now,

Take me into your loving arms,

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars –

Place your head on my beating heart,

I’m thinking out loud,

That maybe we found love right where we are.”

– “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

Dear Husband,

It’s almost 9:30 p.m., and I’ve been staring at this screen trying to come up with a column for this week for quite some time, but the only thing I can think of is you.

It’s not easy to write a column when all I can see is your face, you know.

The song I quoted, for whatever reason, always makes me think of you.

Maybe it’s because of the admission that life isn’t perfect, but it’s as close to perfect as it’s going to get when I’m with you.

While Ed Sheeran might “think out loud,” I tend to think on the page – which is why I’m writing you an open letter of sorts.

I know I could’ve written you a note and left it at home on the table, but I figured this way you’d be sure to find it.

(Now it won’t get lost amid the numerous newspapers strewn about the table.)

Also, I figured everyone should know just how amazing you are.

I don’t know if I tell you often enough, but I wanted to say thank you for putting up with my hectic calendar, my cluttered addiction to collecting newspaper piles and my rambling when you’re trying to go to sleep.

I appreciate it more than you know.

You are my solid rock upon which I crash when I am feeling downtrodden, my guidepost when I am feeling lost and my burst of laughter when I need a pick me up.

You are a carpenter, a creative soul, an excellent father and a joyful heart the likes of which I’ve never seen before.

You are my friend, my love and I am thankful that God gave you to me.

You are an answer to a whispered prayer, a breath of grace and vitality into a life that sorely needed it.

I am so grateful that you have encouraged me, loved me and accepted me – flaws and all – as your partner in all things.

On top of everything else I love about you, I love that you are dedicated to the Lord and helping to spread the Gospel.

I know that being married to a writer probably isn’t the easiest thing in the world – especially an anxious, somewhat scatterbrained one like me – but I am so glad that we can make this journey of life together.

I know a few words printed on a page aren’t worth nearly as much as what you mean to me, but I had to do my best to explain the thoughts running through my head.

Goodness knows, at this hour, what I wrote may not even make sense – but I had to try.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are – you make the world a more vibrant place just by existing.

Mi media naranja, I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Love always,

Kate