This has been a May to remember for me.
If you know my history over the last seven years or so, May hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. For whatever reason, difficult circumstances have either preceded or were soon to follow my birthday. Our friends and family have worked hard to care for us and bring joy in spite of the challenges we were facing.
I’m incredibly thankful for them.
2015 has already brought a new melody to our lives. God’s faithfulness has not changed. While new faces haves have joined the cast, our friend’s care and compassion has not changed. But there is without question a new atmosphere surrounding us.
Never has that been more evident than over the last two weeks.
My sweet wife and our wonderful small group surprised me with a dinner gathering for my birthday. On top of that, they all went in to get me a guitar as a present.
Two short weeks later, Anita and I walked up to the home of Brian and Stacie Martin like we normally do for Small Group each Tuesday night. We were shocked to see not only our Small Group, but ladies from GCC and our neighborhood. They had coordinated a surprise baby shower.
Here’s my problem. I’ve almost forgotten how to handle this kind of love and blessing. I feel as though I’m in need of instructions. I’ve found myself sitting and thinking about the people with whom God has surrounded us; staring at the generous gifts they have lavished upon us and felt almost embarrassed to be thought of in such a loving way.
I’m Irish. I’ve learned how to navigate the melancholy, grey skies of challenge and hurt. I’ve even learned to celebrate the glimpses of sunlight that occasionally burst through the overcast season of difficulty. But what does one do with a sunny, cool-breeze forecast of seventy-eight degrees?
I guess what I’m trying to say is, “Thank you.”
Thank you to our faithful Father in Heaven.
Thank you to my constantly supportive wife.
Thank you to our families and their never-ending well of love.
Thank you to our distant and local friends who have continued to place value on our relationship.
Thank you to our unpredictable, hilarious and loving small group.
Thank you to our amazing, compassion-filled, supportive, and generous church family.
I am a rich man because of all of you.