Halfway to 56!

It is hard to believe that 28 years ago yesterday, my loving mother was putting her life on the line to bring a baby boy into the world.  I have always wondered why we get presents on our birthday-I did nothing to come into this world.  In fact, I never even faced the trauma of the birth canal.  My mom had four children all c-section.  At that time, a c-section was a little more serious of an operation today.  I am truly grateful that my mother knocked on death’s door so that she could bring me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  She deserves the presents for my birthday.  I know, I know, you all are probably awed by the nobility of those statements, but I really mean them.  However, it is nice to be recognized on your birthday.  I really was not looking forward to my birthday; 28 is only 2 years away from being old and my schedule was to go be a principal/pastor from 8:00-4:00, contractor meeting (our new building) from 4:00-6:00, building committee meeting from 6:00-9:00, then come home and watch my #3 Utah Jazz play #1 Dallas Mavericks (I figured I would be able to catch the second half) then go to bed.  It was a pretty full day that was planned.  There were a few surprises along the way that made my day brighter.  First, my mom called at 8:00 and we were able to talk for a few minutes-I love talking to my mom.  My sister-in-law (who teaches at the school) put a happy birthday sign on my computer and gave me a movie gift card (that was a nice gift).  While checking my email, I discovered a goofy monk-e-mail card that my sister Sarah  had sent me (she had sent me some Mrs. Fields delicious cookies earlier).  Around noon, while I was teaching Algebra class, the first-third grade class came to my office to sing happy birthday and to give me a balloon and Burger King lunch (that was also a thoughtful surprise).  My dad called me a little later to wish me happy birthday (we chatted for a while about Romans and preaching-I learn so much from him, he is my walking commentary since he has thoroughly preached through much of the Bible).  Right before my contractor meeting, my sister Alia in MA called me, and we talked about our kids.  Carter and Malachi are a couple of weeks apart.  Later that evening, at the building committee meeting, my Senior Pastor’s wife gave me a carrot cake with those ridiculous trick candles (those things are hard to put out).  When I got home, my loving wife and son were there to greet me with a homemade card.  What I thought was going to be an annoying, busy day made me stop and think about how blessed I am by God to have so much loving family and friends.  Praise be to God who daily loads us with benefits.