Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A Full Heart
Like my previous birthday, it was a day to look at how I've grown the past year. It is almost always a struggle as the day approaches. Somehow, there is always the urge to just celebrate and let the days pass like my earlier birthdays.
Because of a family emergency, I drifted in and out of sleep, checking my cellphone for any missed calls or text messages, checking on my wife, etc. I got out of bed around 5:30am, played with the dog and then off to take a shower and a cup of chocolate drink.
By 6:30am, I had left the house, off to the 2nd nearest McDonald's for my first real breakfast in three weeks. Why not the nearest McDonald's? I didn't know. Somehow I felt God was telling me to be there.
After about thirty minutes, an old lady came in to seat at the table right in fron of me. She was about my mother's age and was mumbling to herself about 'highway robbery'. People began staring. I knew at that moment that she is not well. A few minutes later, a girl came and offered her breakfast she received them with a lot of gratitude. It was a glimpse from God!
Then God spoke: "See what happened? Let go. Let Me." My eyes welled up with tears. My mother is going to be ok. Everyone in the family is working as a team, she has a very compassionate doctor, she has the love of my father."It's ok to celebrate my birthday. It's ok to buy myself a gift. It's ok."
God then sprung up another surprise. No traffic, no long lines when I paid my housing loan. I was able to spent an hour and a half reading a book and reflecting on God's saving grace, not minding the two very rude Frenchmen at the next table nor the woman talking loudly over her cellphone. This is a time with God. Nothing will mess it up!
The mall opens and its time to shop for presents. Bought three. One for me, one for my wife and one for a very good friend. Used up most of the morning looking for them. Had lunch with God again.
Over lunch He asked, "Is there something else you want to do?" Yes, God, there is. I want to cook. And so I did. It was very comforting to be in the kitchen again after almost a year. Never mind that I only had two hours before I go to the office.
At the office I was met with presents on my table. Wow. First time I received more than one present on my birthday. I decided that I will open them on Christmas.
My heart is full. Sometimes one has to go through a lot of grief to be able to appreciate life to its fullest! God definitely has blessed me with such wonderful people.
God grant me the strength for what lies ahead. God grant me the courage to fulfill the calling You have set before me.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. -1 Peter 4:11
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