During the course of the days and weeks that are filled with the stuff of life, I tend to forget that those closest to me really do in fact, care a lot about me. Granted, oft times the opportunity to show affection or appreciation is neither here nor there. It's not a big deal. I understand how detailed living in this world can be. I get tired, misdirected and basically lack the energy or find myself caught up in the routine of schedules and deadlines. These things are not bad and actually are welcomed when held in the proper perspective of not neglecting balance. We all need to find that tension and steward our time wisely. But I do like to know some time or another that I matter, and especially to those dear to me.
I'm no different than most others I guess. Take for instance, the occasion of birthdays. Our family has celebrated what seems like the whole month of August! Mine was just yesterday. On my birthday I like to think back over the previous year, thank the Lord for His faithfulness in all the days gone by and celebrate in a small way as I enjoy eating cake and sipping my favorite hazelnut flavored coffee. I'm kinda easy that way. Then I sit, think about and kinda wonder what the next year will hold. On a side note, being of the female gender, I also and especially enjoy occasional dinners out with my man, words of thanks and praise from my children and our doggys' tails wagging when I walk through the door after coming home from anywhere.
This year's celebration was a little different for me though. It's one that I surely will cherish in my memory for years to come. The events that occurred were profound. Profound in the sense that they made me feel so very special. I wanted to share a bit of it with you, not to brag in any sense of the word, but to express how one life can be shown the love of God when we care enough to do so! This time I was the recipient.
Upon waking up and making myself somewhat presentable to the rest of the world, I left my mirror satisfied that I wouldn't scare anyone too much upon greeting them. I then shuffled to our dining area and because of what my eyes beheld, found myself speechless. I mean, I don't think I have much to say on most occasions anyway. I have my work cut out for me and I do it. Simple. But when I caught a glimpse of what is usually our common, everyday dining area transformed into a picture of loveliness, my jaw dropped. Literally. Surely the flowers, china, and stemware were all meant for a queen or something. Oh no. Not this time. I was quickly reminded by the resounding, "H a P p Y B i R t H d A y, Mooommm!" that rang out in sibling harmony, that this festivity was definitely prepared...just for me.
I too, was lavished upon with thoughts of praise and adoration, if you will, from my family with both homemade and store-bought cards, a bouquet of balloons and a vase of those long-stemmed gladiolus'. I absolutely love those! My oldest daughter had planned and prepared a meal that resembled something us ladies would order when visiting a tea room...without the bonnets, thank you. Then later we ventured to the mall laughing, trying on things, asking each other how this bling would look with this outfit, etc. Lolly, lolly, lolly! After a few hours there, our next stop was to favorite local coffeehouse where I was treated to my favorite 'Americana' cup of coffee! Mmmm!
In all of the nice-ities of the day, it wasn't about the lovely cards, balloons, flowers, food or the shopping, as ever so truly appreciative as I am for that aspect of celebrating the day was. What was so profound to me, was the shear joy of relationship and the bonding that occurs in all of that stuff! I revelled in the laughter, all of the chatter at breakfast time, the teasing rolling of the eyes while shopping at the mall, and the many smiles that occurred inadvertently throughout the day.
In all of the wonderment that the day held for me, I look back and out of curiosity wonder if the God who created us, desires that same 'revelling' in and of relationship with us? I would have to say indeed yes! He made it so possible through the gift of His only Son. The table has been set. All of the arrangements have been taken care of. With exceedingly more joy than could ever be rivaled in any earthly relationships, Jesus invites you to come. Don't be concerned about how you look when you first greet the Saviour. Your worth and beauty will be cherished from the inside out. Come!
