The best birthday gift
Today is my baby’s birthday. It is so hard for me to believe, not only that she is already seven, but also that she is the last one.
Some days I am so tired that I cannot begin to comprehend having anything more to do. When I consider, though, the overwhelming joy that the love of this family brings into my life I feel as though I could have dozens more 🙂
Like all children, mine do not always get along. In fact, there are days when I despair that I’ll ever know peace again. This morning was not one of those days. This morning, my littlest came into my office and just wanted to hang out. I showed here some funny family pictures (from my mum’s birthday yesterday) and we were laughing together. Along comes one of the boys. “Hey, Christi, come here.” he beckons. She quickly glances at me and then follows after her adored big brother. This brother is often quick to tease her and in his ‘teenagerness’ doesn’t always want her around. This morning, however, unprompted, he is offering to make her breakfast. Not just some cereal slopped across the counter. When he brought the finished plate, there were eggs, toast and sliced apples decorated with cinnamon and sugar. What a treat!
In his busyness, he took the time to express his love for his little sister by giving of himself.
It is so easy to look at this and see the example set for us by the Lord. He expressed His love for us by giving that which was most precious to Him – His only son. I can better imagine cutting off my foot than giving up one of these children God has blessed me with. Yet not only did God offer up His Son, but He allowed Him to suffer for my sake.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Even more happened this morning than the gift of a wonderful breakfast. When his little sister looked up at him and exclaimed, “Thanks, Zac!” the smile it brought was beyond delightful. Once she had left the room, I looked at this son of mine, so tall now and growing up so fast. “Zac, that was really nice of you. I know it meant a lot to your sister.” The pleasure of thanks and praise lit my young man’s face. Joy was returned to his heart for the gift he had given.
How beautiful to the Lord our thanks must be.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.