Connection Church of Arlington Texas

I turned fifty-seven the twelveth day of this month. Though the day started as any other day, it became joyously clear as it continued, this would be a special day indeed. I would be reminded once again how blessed I am. The day began with Bonnie bringing me coffee and birthday gifts…. and reminding me, “it seemed only yesterday you were fifty-six.” Two of my daughters Shelly and Jamie, now with families of thier own, called within minutes of each other singing “Happy Birthday,” expressing thier love, and wishing me a great day. They didn’t know how very much I enjoyed hearing them sing slightly off key…… a trait they picked up from their mother. What a wonderful gift.

Later, my cell phone rang, it was Tommy Hagler, a very close and long-time friend. While growing up I went to school in New Mexico with Tommy. Arlington,Texas, where I now live, seems a world away from the small school in New, Mexico and the graduating class of 1968. We talked at length about everything from our families to our health and of course our old almamater. Tommy said we needed to make plans for the next high school reunion. We would go and make fun of all the bald heads, grey hair, and fat bellies. Oh, how I enjoyed our conversation. He just called to wish me a happy birthday. Isn’t that a wonderful gift.

My sister Daisy, who lives in New Mexico, calls often just to lovingly harass me. My birthday was no exception. Several other friends that I haven’t heard from in years, called to wish me well on this special day. Later on that day my son Tim, and my third daughter Tamera, had made time to express their love and wish me a happy birthday too. Several of my grandchildren joined in with “Happy Birthday Pa!” Finally, a dinner invitation to El Chico’s Mexican restraunt with Michael and Shelly. I wasn’t going to pass this up, after all it’s my favorite food and place to eat. Surprizingly enough while we were eating, Mike and Patty Balloun, two very dear people whom I love and respect greatly, came into the restraunt to eat too. After a time of good conversation, fellowship, and reflection over the past year, they wished me a wonderful birthday.

Gifts are an expression of love and care for someone. God’s gift to us is through His Son Jesus. This was the “greatest gift of all.” When I consider the great love Christ has given me and the wonderful people that he has brought into my life I am unquestionably humbled. (2 Cor. 9:15) “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

After receiving many presents, gift cards, and well wishes from family and friends,  I determined this had been a great day. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, I treasured up all the things of this years birthday and pondered them in my heart. I concluded the “Best Gifts” are the relationships of family and friends.