Birthday Blues
It was my birthday and I woke up that morning feeling happy and excited. However as the day went by I began to lose some of my joy. Everyone seemed too busy for me. My sisters who I shared an apartment with at the time barely said, “Happy birthday!” Everyone was extra distracted that day and didn’t appear to notice or care that it was my birthday.
I made the best of my day but I was sad inside. Later that evening one of my sisters invited me out to dinner. Before we went to the restaurant we made a detour to one of my brother’s house. I wasn’t paying much attention since I was still a bit put out that I had spent most of my birthday alone.
When we entered my brother’s house I heard a loud “surprise!” I stood totally shocked to see a room filled with my family and friends. They had spent the entire day, while I was feeling abandoned, preparing to surprise me with a birthday party.
I don’t remember if I cried but I probably came close. I know I felt loved and so overwhelmed that my family had done something so special for me.
This memory from at least fifteen years ago surfaced recently as I sat feeling a bit discouraged by the seemingly unmoving hands of God in certain situations in my life. The memory of that surprise birthday party reminded me that while sometimes it seems as if God is moving at snail’s pace, He’s always up to something great behind the scenes.
I’m thankful that on days when I feel discouraged God never tires of reminding me that He’ll always be there for me and that even when it seems as if life is at a standstill He’s working things out behind the scenes.
4 You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. 5 O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Psalm 92:4-5 (NLT)
What a great reminder to never get discouraged; God is indeed always there and working things out.
Awesome reminder.