My Birthday

I’ve been away from the sparrows perch for quite a while.  I’d become convinced my words were useless, my thoughts unimportant, and my dreams unobtainable.  Then I remembered why I even began writing this blog.  Why does anyone keep a blog?  For me it was simple; I’ve always enjoyed writing.  From the time I was in middle school, I’ve always enjoyed expressing my thoughts through the written word.  They may not move you, bring you to believe what I believe, but at least they will be written down for those who love me to remember who I was.  As anyone who’s followed me in the past knows, I’m keenly aware of my mortality.  Not that it makes a difference how old you are.  Death comes at any age, and we aren’t guaranteed today, let alone tomorrow. 

I turned 61 yesterday.  Unlike past birthdays where I was content to make it just another day, God was intent on making it a special day.  I say God because it came at me from every direction imaginable.  I’m always happy just to have my children call me, text me, or even drop in.  I especially like it when my Mother remembers how much pain I caused her, and then how happy she was for that pain.  I love it when my wife suddenly remembers she is slightly more than a year younger than me, and she will be in my shoes sooner than she thinks.  This year, God orchestrated the most wonderful birthday I’ve had in my adult life.  The gifts that spoke to me would not mean a thing to anyone else.  From the men’s group I was blessed with numerous gift cards to my favorite Mexican food restaurant.  It shows they know me well enough to buy me what would please me.  Then the Bible with the simple engraving “Teacher” on it.  It’s what I do, it’s who I am.  It rests on the center of my Desk,  amidst the piles of papers, cards, and other business stuff of my life.  I put my hand upon the engraving and soak in the meaning of it.  These men who are much better men than myself, allow me the privilege of pulling from heaven what they need for the week.  I’ve begun to look at myself as a water bearer.  I’m here to pull down the rain of revelation, and to draw up from the well of God’s Word.  This alone gives me purpose, and makes my days valid.  I’m not more knowledgeable, more spiritual, or even more gifted than my brothers.  Any man in our group can step into the name ‘teacher’ and do it better than me.  It doesn’t bother me to say that.  A matter of fact I’m proud to say it.  It means we’ve moved beyond the traditions of men and stepped into the spiritual aspect of teaching.  Still, resting my hand upon that simple word engraved on a lovely bible draws me to a higher calling.  I can’t let these men down. 

You might still be wondering how I can give God credit for orchestrating my birthday celebration, so let me give you a Holy Ghost moment.   My Mom and Dad had invited Glenda and I over for grilled steaks.  We’d had a wonderful evening and it was time for the birthday cake.  As I was lighting the candles, my son, Anthony calls me up.  I put him on speakerphone so he could be a part of singing Happy Birthday to me.  The moment was so beautiful and tender.  Having my son be a part of my birthday wish was beyond coincidence.  He was waiting outside the door of a maternity room where his brother and sister-in-law were welcoming their little girl into this life.  The joyous celebration of life continues regardless of the terrors around us.  Sixty one years ago, I was born into a troubled time.  1955 was a traumatic year and I’ve lived much longer than I thought I ever would.  Still, while lighting the candles on my cake, my son who lives nearly 600 miles away, was celebrating another life joining the parade of hope. 

That was the gift God gave me yesterday.  He gave me hope.  Like Job, I know I will see God in the land of the living.  I will see hope realized. 

As a final word, I’ve been watching a movie by Darren Wilson called “Holy Ghost.”  I highly recommend this movie for anyone, whether you are a believer or not, it will challenge you.  Miracles will never convince you to believe in God, but they will force you to decide what you believe.  You can dismiss what you see, or you can embrace the love of God as revealed through the work of His Holy Spirit.  You see, Saturday a brother in the Lord challenged me with seeing it because the Holy Spirit told him to mention it to me.  He hadn’t seen it himself, but God was telling him I needed to see it. I bought it online, and watched it with silent hope.  Sunday, I knew we were in for a treat.  Holy Spirit stepped up, healed, restored, and encouraged.  He does that you know!!!!!   Anyway, that is why I knew my birthday was a gift from God.  This simple thought sprung up in my heart as I put my head upon my pillow last night, “I was thrilled the moment you were born, I’d been waiting for you from eternity, and will love you through eternity.”   I’d almost fallen asleep in that warm glow when my oldest daughter called.  

YEP!!!!!