An Uncelebrated Birthday

Today is my son's birthday.  He is 36 years old.  I did not get him a cake.  I was not able to watch him blow out the candles.  There was no singing of the traditional song.  His voice is not heard by me.  He is not here.  He is in another part of the world.  He is living a life without family.  It is the way he wants it.

As I was thinking of him today, I prayed for him.  He would probably not like that but it is all I can do for him.  I pray he is protected from harm.  My desire is that he has people around him who will love him.  I pray he has all that he needs to live comfortably.  But more than all of that, I have prayed, am praying and will continue to pray that he turn to Jesus.

Every person in this world needs Jesus.  We are not even really alive until we are following him.  We are really dead in our sins, our own ways of doing things.  God revealed Himself to me by His grace and I still marvel at that.  The reminder here is that it isn't just about my son but is about all those who are lost in this world without God.  Each one of them has a birthday which is just another year of going through the motions without a purpose.  Jesus gives a purpose.  Jesus is the purpose.  He gives us the ability to truly live.

If my son were here today, I would tell him that I love him.  That is very true.  My love for him will never change even though he is not here.  But my love is nothing in comparison with God's love. 

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

Wow!!  A love that is willing to die for us.  I would like to think that I would die for my son but would I?  Really, would I die for anyone?  I haven't been in that situation but I know my heart is deceitful and wants its own way.  God has already proven His love in the death of His Son.  There is no greater love.  This greater love is the one I desire for my son.  Maybe just maybe God will be pleased to reveal Himself to my son today on his birthday.  If He does then my son will have a new birth to celebrate on the same day. 

My prayer is that we will be concerned for the lost souls and bring them before the throne of grace.  There are many sons and daughters who need to know Jesus. 

"...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."  Acts 2:47b

Another Lesson From Everett

My seven year old grandson, Everett, is always teaching me something. I wanted to pass this on to you. My Dad was having surgery on a Thursday, partial knee replacement. My daughter has all of the kids signed up for an Enrichment program for homeschoolers which meets on Thursday. On Wednesday my daughter mentioned to Everett that the next day would be his class. Everett said, "Family is more important than class." Barb asked him what he meant and he replied, "I can't go to class when my poppie is going to have surgery." With that statement his lip began to quiver as the tears were right at the surface. She promised him to take him over to see his poppie before the surgery and then after. This was satisfactory to him.

A seven year old already understands the importance of family. He knows that we do not need to go after fun for ourselves when there is an important issue taking place in our family. I want to commend my daughter, Barb, and husband, Kalin, for the way they are raising their children. They are training them in the important things of life. The most important thing they are doing is pointing each of their children to Jesus. They incorporate the love of Jesus into their training as they love each child for the glory of God.

Thank you Barb and Kalin for your efforts. Thank you Everett for considering others better than yourself. I heard your lesson and will strive to learn it as I serve my family.