Those of you who read my blog know I am an analyst. That’s what I do. I’m a snoop. I like to be in control and know what’s going on at all times. But sometimes I get caught off guard. That’s what happened this past Sunday in preparation for my birthday (yesterday). I won’t tell you how old I am (not that I’m trying to hide anything), but let’s say I’m old enough to know better and didn’t just fall off the turnip truck, as my mother would say. What I will tell you is I am at the age that I look forward to each milestone … it’s almost like passing the finish line of a marathon (or a walk-a-thon, in my case).
Last Sunday Cary and I were going to lunch with my son and his family after church. My husband knew the plans, so we drove straight to Duncanville after services. That normally takes 25 minutes. But this day we drove and we drove and we drove. We drove up Main Street not once, but four times. We drove around the city twice, we stopped at Sonic once for a drink, we stopped at the office twice for something. Something was up.
Two hours later we got to the house … finally! I wanted to go inside, but Cary asked me to check on something in the backyard, so I followed him through the gate. Then …. Are you ready for this?
“SURPRISE!” rang out from 80 of our family and friends. A band started playing, Amazing Grace was sung, there was an emcee, everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a dance floor, catered food, valet parking, the whole kit and kaboodle. There was a speech, more singing, dancing, and I was queen for a day. What, all this for me? I cried, I wanted to faint, I was flabbergasted. For once in my life I was speechless.
It’s still hard for me to grasp the depth of love that went into the planning of this party. Thank you, Lord, for my husband, for putting him in my life, for giving me kids and grandkids whom I love and who I know love me, for blessing me with friends and a community that share in my joy. My gratitude list is growing.
At the end of the day, as tired as I was, I learned something new. If we, on this earth, love to surprise those we love with something special, how much more does our Heavenly Father love to shower us with blessings. Thank you, Jesus, for the surprises that come our way!
