Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The Best Birthday Gifts

Every year God surprises me with a birthday gift. I've really only noticed it in the past few years, but now I've come to expect it and watch for it. His gifts are always special and unique to me. It's usually something He and I have been talking about for quite a while (or rather, something I've been complaining about for quite a while *grin*). And His gifts are always big. It's not just one gesture, but multiple gestures with the same message. He lavishes me with love on my birthday.

In the madness following the accident and returning to Texas to wrap up things at school, I wasn't even thinking about my gift this year. May 4 came and went, and I had an absolute blast celebrating my birthday with friends at school. Then I packed up and drove home. And without even knowing it, I started to unwrap God's gift. As I drove through Illinois and Indiana during the late afternoon and evening, I marveled at the scenery. Acres of farmland stretched before me, and all the farmers were in the fields planting. It's a sight I love, and I enjoyed it for hours. Then I witnessed a beautiful sunset that painted the sky pink and lavendar with strokes of clouds brushing the horizon. The serene landscape warmed my heart and filled me with joy.

But this was all the wrapping—when I saw the gift inside I couldn't help but laugh. My family greeted me warmly when I arrived home and related information and events to me. And there it was—I discovered something that absolutely never happens to me . . . had happened. And not once, but multiple times. In that moment, I started laughing. And I knew God was laughing too. I could see the glee on His face as I understood my present—something He and I had been talking about for quite a while and something He had fashioned just for me. I laughed all night, and I've been laughing ever since.

To top it off, the next day I experienced my first summer thunderstorm, complete with peals of rolling thunder, streaks of lightening, a gentle rain, and a beautiful rainbow. I felt wrapped in God's embrace and heard His whispered message: "Happy birthday, April. I love you."

No one knows me like my Creator, and He gives the absolute best birthday gifts. What awe-insiring love that the God of the universe cares about something as simple as my birthday—and cares in such a lavishing, intimate way.

I look forward to His gifts every year. Do you?