Happy Birthday David! Boy what a day. You would think after sixteen years we wouldn't think so much about this day. But as every parent knows, your child, whether living or gone home to heaven is a part of you. You might as well cut off your arm and never think about it anymore. While my heart feels somewhat sad and heavy, primarily I feel thankful. I am thankful for all my children, no matter how short their lives are, because they are eternal. I am so thankful that Jesus died to bear the punishment for our sins, so that not only can we experience eternity with Him, but our children can also.
I am thankful that, as my children have all professed Jesus as their Savior, we will spend eternity together! I am also profoundly thankful for all the blessings God lavishes on us so that we can experience His love and strength while muddling (is that a word?) through this world.
Yesterday I had the worst attitude. David's birthday is always a good day, but a hard day for our family. But it is good because we plan for it. However, it never fails, the days leading up to it are not so hot. I have to confess, I had a bad day on Friday and yesterday was looking even worse. By the time I got home from a morning errand, I was in a rotten mood. To top it off, because of Memorial Day traffic, we were now going to be late for my brother's surprise birthday bash! But as I pulled in the driveway, Mark and Nathaniel literally ran to the car and started unloading Costco purchases (by the way, I don't recommend going to Costco on Mem. Day weekend). Within a few minutes Mark and all the children had taken care of everything. Hannah rushed around asking me what she could do to help. Everyone was ready within minutes. They didn't even say a word about all the growling and grumping I was doing. They just helped. Boy does that deflate a bad attitude.
Later, at the party, I was able to visit with almost my entire family. It was a really nice afternoon. I got to hold my niece, Elizabeth who is six months old and looks like a porcelain doll. She weighs a whopping 14lbs. I am so thankful that in the midst of my pity parties and bad attitudes God still finds ways to remind me He loves me.
As we drove away in the evening, I opened a gift my Mom had given me earlier. She had just told me to stick the bags in the car for later. One bag was a gift set for soaking in the tub, (how does she always know ?) in the other was a beautiful candle and a card for all of us that said she was remembering David on this special day and praying for all of us. Bad attitude definitely gone. Thankfulness is overwhelming.
As I look at the time and realize I have to get ready for church, I feel so thankful. Remember to thank God for every good gift today. It really chases away the bad attitudes.
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