So, it’s finally the letter you’ve all been waiting for. I’ve written a letter to my forever friend, my Young Life leaders, my college best friend, my sister, and so on.

But there’s one letter I’ve yet to write. And what letter might that be?

A letter to the boy who has my heart.

I feel so silly writing this, and that’s a common theme I have. I often feel too silly, too young, too naïve, to even say words such as this. Or at least that’s what people tell me I am. And ya know what? They may be exactly right. But that’s all right. Why? Because I’d rather be too silly, too young, and too naïve, and in love than miss out on a journey like this. Because that’s what falling in love is: an incredibly selfless journey that will forever change you.

OK, OK… away from the cheesy-ness, now. Actually, in all honesty this letter is going to be incredibly cheesy. And if you know me at all, you know I thoroughly enjoy dry humor and sarcastic wit, yet am a lover for all things cheesy, sappy, and downright Hallmark.

How might I go about this letter? I thought about describing him, writing our story, or even just listing the things I’ve learned about being in love for the first time. But, none of those seemed to do him justice. So, I thought of the only right thing to do:

Thank him for simply being him.

So, here’s to you. And all the wonderful things about you.

Thank you for being a kid with me. For not taking life too seriously. For being the first person to laugh at my jokes, and one of the few to truly understand my humor… a rarity.

Thank you for constantly pursuing me. Forty plus letters and counting. Forty plus letters that remind me who I am--a daughter of a king--and what I am--fearfully and wonderfully made. Reminders I need… and a need you know.

Thank you for being honest. For telling me exactly how you’re feeling, and exactly what you’re expecting. I’ve never met a more honest person than you.

Thank you for loving others well, including your family. Your genuine care and real love for your family is one of your most admirable characteristics. It underlines that you know what’s important, and how to show others how important they truly are.

Thank you for your humility. You are the smartest, most hardworking, talented person I know, but you would never show it off. You always desire to celebrate the success of others, never yourself. (But we all know I do the bragging about you enough for you...)

Thank you for being intentional. This is one of my most favorite things about you. You have intention behind everything you do. Every date, every word said, every gift picked. You put meaning and purpose in everything… And boy, how wonderful it is.

Thank you for being wise. You are constantly thinking, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, being quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Thank you for being selfless. Like I’ve said before, you put others before yourself, always. Regardless of the situation or context, anyone with you, goes before you. Including me. And how undeserving, yet incredibly thankful, I am for that.

Thank you for being my number one fan. How true this is. You are my constant supporter, my hand to hold, my person. You make me feel like a million bucks, even if I did just fail a chemistry exam…

Thank you for loving the Lord more than you love me. Weird thing to say, right? But it’s true. The more you love Him, the better you can love those around you. And man… how earnestly you seek Him.

And finally…

Thank you for being a first love I won’t regret.

This was something so scary, yet so important to me. Because yes, it’s scary to say, but true: You have no idea where you will be in the next 10 years. I have no idea if your hand will still be the one I’m holding. Right now, I’d love for it to be. But I’m not a genie, nor psychic. And I’m no Lord. If it is in His will, how wonderful that will be. And if you and I is no longer “you and I” down the road… Yes, sadness will come on memories past, but it will be OK. Why?

Because you loved me well, and loved me as He would.

Forever thankful.

- S