Most of us rarely think in terms of decades. At best, weeks, and maybe months. So when my wife celebrates her four-decade mark (plus a few) it jolts me into a clearer reality of how amazing I have it and how rarely I think about it. In honor of the four score (i.e. her birthday) in Amy’s life, here are 20 things (40 is too long of a post) I appreciate about her, our marriage and everything in between. This list is not exhaustive and is certainly in no particular order. But hopefully, you get a peek into how good I have it with this woman.

1. She is the best cook ever! When I married a southern woman who knew how to properly use lard, I arrived in husband heaven.

2. She loves Jesus. This is the best thing about her. I never have to wonder who is calling the shots in her life.

3. She loves our children. Vigilant prayers, cab driver hours and calm cool conversation with teenagers put on display how deep her love is for our kids.

4. She loves the church. For sure, she loves our church. But her heart for the city and global church is inspiring.

5. She is clean. I could never have married a sloppy woman. This probably says more about me. But I’m glad she likes things tidy.

6. Her laugh is hearty. When she really gets going, her laughter is something to watch. Its sound is something in between hot brownies and 70-degree weather in the spring—it’s that good.

7. She is thrifty. She doesn’t mind double coupon days. And she will drive out of the way for a good deal. I love that.

8. She’s a dreamer. Today is only a staging ground for what is possible tomorrow. That is her persistent attitude.

9. She wants her life to matter. That one truth is on repeat in her life and in every conversation. Jesus is her treasure which is why she would move to Zambia today or give a kidney tomorrow if it will cause her life to matter in the scope of eternity.

10. Coffee is a high priority. We would have problems if she liked hot tea instead.

11. Wine too.

12. This woman has high standards. She’s not into self-improvement. She just knows the gospel life demands more. I love that about her.

13. I love that she is a saver. The reason all of our furniture isn’t made from old milk crates is because she saves.

14. She can laugh at herself. Humility on display. And a great sense of humor!

15. Her heart is tender to the broken. Nothing moves me quite like the moments I see her do something for the marginalized and hurting.

16. She is motivated by mission. I can’t tell you how many loaves of bread she has made just so we can have a neighbor open their door to us.

17. She likes old people and children. I’m not sure why I love this, but I do.

18. This girl can lead. Her strong gifting, amazing communication skills and the ability to narrow difficult ideas down to eye level make her one of the best leaders I know.

19. She knows life is short. She knows she is  change in the pocket of God and he can spend her any way he wants.

20. She loves to read. There is always a book around her. She’s always learning and growing and stretching.

She is a gift to me.