Today is my husbands 30th birthday! (he robbed the cradle, I still have 5 good years left!)
I think that everyone handles turning 30 in their own unique way. Some may experience a "mid life crisis", while others celebrate a new chapter of their life beginning.
I know that Justin is a lot of things to a lot of people. He is a pastor, coach, "big brother", boss, father figure...but I want to take a minute to talk about who he is to me.
My very first impression of Justin Dean occurred when I was about 15 years old (10 years ago, WOW!) I had started going to a youth ministry on Tuesday nights with my boyfriend at the time. Justin was one of the greeters. He always made a great impression as people walked through the church doors, his vibrance and passion was obvious even within those few seconds of passing each week. He had ear-length, super curly hair and gaged ears, which really made him stand out to me...LOVE that curly hair :0) I remember him doing backflips off the stage, and even rapping at times! Yes, I thought he was super hot...but so did most of the other 15 year old girls at the time. I'm NOT the type to flirt, or go after a guy, so I didn't even dwell on the thought or possibility of dating him. He was WAY out of my league.
About 3 years passed and I stayed involved in that ministry, eventually becoming an intern. One night I was sitting in service, in the back row with an empty chair next to me. Justin came and sat next to me and in a very cheesy, funny way he said "How you doin' " as he slid his arm over the back of my chair. He asked how old I was and I told him 18, he cracked a smile and said "Interesting...." haha...I remember this like it was yesterday.
I was in charge of a station every Wednesday night that I had to set up and tear down before and after service. Justin had hundreds of things to do after services each week, but that night he came and helped me tear down and put away my station...and the week after, and the week after...
One Sunday he asked me to go out to lunch with him and some other friends....and I said no. I made an excuse, but I did it on purpose. Then, he asked me AGAIN on a Wednesday night to go to Village Inn with a group of people. Again, I said no... (ladies, men like a challenge!)
The following Wednesday he asked for my number, and I gave it to him. Then he waited 2 days to call! Talk about torture! He invited me over to his apartment to watch a movie with a group of friends. I was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He walked me to my car and asked for a hug :0) Then the very next night he asked to see me again and we went to get coffee at Village Inn. My hands were sweating, I wanted so badly to impress him.
That was the beginning of our relationship. With the exception of missions trips, we have been together almost every single day since January 10th, 2002.
I can not begin to explain how incredibly blessed I feel to have Justin as my husband. It was through a series of events, some unfortunate, some joyous, that him and I ended up together. Many, MANY things tried to keep us from becoming husband and wife (that's a whole nutha' blog!) But the hand of God was so obviously at work in our relationship, and my heart overflows with gratefulness.
Justin has accomplished many, many great things. But I believe that one of his greatest accomplishments has been our relationship and family.
My husbands strength has made me stronger. He is an excellent father, and loves Javen more deeply than he will ever be able to tell you. His passion is contagious and has inspired me to run hard after my dreams. He is the hardest working, most dedicated man I have ever known. I respect and trust him with my life.
Jus, you are more loved, more admired, more respected than you will ever know. Happy 30th birthday. I am in awe of what you have survived and accomplished over these last 30 years, I can't imagine what you will achieve in the next 30.
