Chris,
Happy Birthday!!
The Senffs are so thankful for the gift of the Chris Hartenstein! I love the way he placed us up north to grow in friendship with you and Ruth. I always leave wanting to spend more time with you guys.
When I think of you Chris, I have two words that feel like should be opposites, but somehow they live in balance in you and our friendship. The first word is comfortable. From the first time we all hung out together, it felt like we had already walked through years of life with each other. You are real and authentic and I feel like there are few people in our lives that share such a common heart for Jesus, ministry, and family. You are one of my favorite people to talk to and I love hearing what God is showing you. It’s so fun to talk about God with you.
This leads me to the second word, challenge.
I love the way you are always pressing into your father for more, and how you push those around you to do the same. You yearn and wrestle with how to keep growing personally and encourage everyone else around you in their relationships with God and others. I know that as your friend, you will never let me grow stagnant or allow me to walk in lies. You are also just a lot of fun! That makes you a cherished friend.
You are abundantly and joyfully generous. Thank you so much for the many ways you have shown God’s love to me and our family. We feel loved by Jesus so often through your acts of kindness.
You are an engaging teacher that uses creativity to communicate truth.
You are a wonderful husband to one of my dearest friends and you are a sharpening confidant to my main man.
It’s amazing to think that God gave us such a great friend, and somehow I think everyone who is writing you a letter, feels the same way. A sure sign you are walking in your identity and destiny as a son. You are consistent in every relationship.
I am so thankful I get to call you my friend!
Happy Birthday,
Mary!!