Day Eleven “Birthdays”
When my children were younger, birthdays were crazy days in our home when the children were toddlers. The gifts, the sugar rush from way too many sweets, disrupted nap schedules, and the grandparent/family visits always resulted in hyperactive, overtired, somewhat cranky kiddos. The day generally featured at least one total meltdown, either by an overstimulated birthday child, or by a jealous sibling who was craving some attention. And then there was the trip to Chuck E. Cheese. Yikes, talk about overload! By the end of the day, I resembled the deflated birthday balloons that were strewn about on the living room floor.
On the other hand, birthdays with grandkids are GREAT! First of all, juggling the finances of our now empty nest isn’t nearly as stressful as our once full nest, which makes gift shopping more flexible and enjoyable now. Picking out just the right present is a pinnacle in grand-parenting success. More importantly, you can provide the all the sugary treats that you want and allow Mom and Dad to deal with the resulting sugar crashes. Seems fitting and fair to me, right?
As we travel today to help celebrate our sweet grandson’s birthday, I am reminded to pray daily that he will someday experience a second, spiritual birthday, just like his grandma has. I was born on July 24, 1953, to Nicholas and Eleanor Taylor in the little town of Ellwood City. I was born again on February 16, 1975, during a church service at a little Baptist church on an amazing cold, wintery morning. I walked into church that day lost, learning that I was a sinner with no means of redeeming myself, and I left on my way to Heaven, realizing through God’s Word that the penalty for those sins was paid in full by Christ at Calvary. By faith, Jesus saved my soul and God became my Father that morning, as I was gently grafted into the family of God. My heart’s desire is that my grandbabies will someday bow the knee and accept the Saviour. Grandma would cherish the celebration that would follow that decision.
I Peter1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Thank You, Lord, for all my precious grandchildren. Please work in their lives to show them how very much You love them and how much You sacrificed for them. Lead them to Your cross, open their eyes to Your salvation, and wrap their lives in Your grace.
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