To My Best Friend - Jeff and Alyssa

ALYSSA JEFF-116

To Jeff,

I so distinctly remember meeting you for the first time. We were at a wedding, you were wearing a bright blue collared shirt and looking so tan. I had butterflies and my palms were sweating at the thought of you coming over to talk to me. After we met, I remember looking at your photos on Facebook for hours- trying to figure out who this “Jeff Bethke” was. I knew there was something special about you. When we started to date, I fell hard and fast. I was over the moon for you. I stumbled over my words, burned food (I mean, I burned a grilled cheese!) tripped on everything—clearly my head was in the clouds. Everything when you start dating is magical (and a little awkward!) The day we got married was one of the best days of my life. (Like seriously—I wish I could relive it again and again!) But never in my wildest dreams did I think it’d be this good. This deep. Yes, marriage is hard. It takes so.much.work. We’ve had our fights and arguments and disagreements. We’ve cried and forgiven and asked for grace. We’ve walked through some trenches already, and I know there’s a lot more to come. But I love being married to you. I would choose you again and again and again. You are my best friend—no one knows me like you. You know my heart—my fears, insecurities, worries, struggles, and my joys, passions and dreams. And you love me still. You fight for me, for us. You are humble and teachable and full of grace.

We’ve already changed since being married- and it’s been so fun to watch you grow more into the man that God has created you to be. You are strong. You are faithful. You are a hard worker and you do things with integrity and honesty. You are incredibly generous and you sincerely care for others. You’re such a fun dad to Kinsley- always making her laugh. You constantly tell her how beautiful and strong she is—how you love her, but God loves her even more.

We certainly have not arrived. There’s so much more to learn and grow in—but I am so thankful to be on this journey with you. You walk with Jesus—and therefore, point me to Jesus. There’s nothing better than when you hold me and pray for me because Lord knows I’m a mess.

There’s a lot we don’t have in common- you are a world traveler who loves adventure and flying by the seat of your pants. You do everything on super speed, and thrive on procrastination. I am a homebody who is a planner. I’m slow on most everything and would die if I procrastinated!

But what we do have in common is Jesus and a mission to love Him and make Him known- and that is the most fun of all.

You make me see things through a new lens, are constantly teaching me of God’s grace and how to live in it, and always make me laugh with your crazy faces and spontaneous dance moves.

It’s only been 2 ½ years of marriage, and 6 ½ years of knowing you (yes I will count those ½!) and it just keeps getting better. I’m so thankful for you Jeff, and am so excited to continue on this journey with you. Thanks for being my best friend. You are such a joy to me.

Love,

Lyss

Friday, March 13, 2015