August 26 1988. 22 years ago today.
Where did it all go?
I may not remember all the days that have passed before my eyes but I remember a majority of the birthdays that have. The good ones, the bad ones, the ones where nobody showed up and the ones I pray to forget. Today, I thank God for this one.
Being my 22nd birthday and having the memory of a completely selfish birthday last year with a handful of thrill seeking friends in the bright lights of Vegas that brought back more memories than we bargained for. This year and now many to follow, I desired to have the attention off me and placed in something more important.
Over the past 9 or 10 months a lame excuse of a friendship for what should be a loving relationship between a father and son has continually dwindled to one word responses and excuses to avoid each other. Try after try to reach the heart that resides within the mans chest that onces cared so much for his children has ended badly, many times.
Through the joy of having loving friends and their eagerness to see God move, thats beginning change, slowly. This week my dad invited me to go to AZ with him on a work trip to two very nice resorts in Phoenix for four days. (This took places because a LOVING friend was willing to ask personal questions, that forced me to call him out of guilt last week) After a fairly awkward couple of days we drove home today, on my birthday.
I wanted nothing more than to share God with him and for him to notice that my lifestyle has changed. Words couldn’t do it. Actions speak much louder these days.
2 hours after I volunteered to clean his house… he saw something different in me. It could have been the sweat pouring down my face or possibly the joy in my heart knowing his house no longer looked like a homeless dude ransacked the place for card board boxes. I left with a hug and a pair of smiles on each of our faces. Cant expect much, but I know God is good.
Then, the past 2 weeks I’ve been waiting furiously for a man to call me with a check in hand to suporrt a large portion of the race… this fella is an actor which means, he is an expert at phone tag. He’s been “it” for awhile.
Today we had plans to meet up for dinner. I called. He ignored.. Weird.
I’ve been putting So much hope in this dude and his checkbook, that I didn’t realize how little I was trusting in the Lord. Who cares if this guy writes me a check for 14,300 or totally forgets about me! If he doesn’t provide, God which my faith resides, WILL.
Faith remains true even when the outcome is unknown.
Than to cap the night, a drive through birthday dinner at Jack in the Box at 11:11pm, to hear a success story from a brother. A simple story that shows how necessary love is in our lives. Knowing that our lives may be stressed and pulled in many directions, as hopeless as we can feel. The love we show, leaves a healing and lasting impression.
Presents are overrated.
PS.
There isn’t much that tops a harmonious mom and daughter duet singing a bday song at 7am and 22 amazing things about God seen in you.
Much Love
