It's Her Birthday

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. Mark 10:42-44

Our eldest daughter, Emily, celebrates her birthday today. She was born on Easter Sunday 1978 at 1:34pm. She was perfect and lively from the beginning. She was always a people person and has always loved being the life of the party. When she was four and we were living with my parents, she wanted to have her party at the bible study lunch. The group of seniors and mostly church women were her friends and she wanted to share her birthday with them. Tonight, we are having a birthday party for her and she has invited the children she babysits, her friends children and her cousins. She is the life of the party and she also loves bringing joy to the folks around her. She is a gift to us and she shares her gifts with others graciously and fully. She is willing to serve others because she gets so much joy out of their responses and pleasure.

Today, I want to give thanks for Emily. For her many gifts and for her willingness to offer her gifts and skills for the enjoyment and care of others. You don't get to chose your kids and so I am also grateful to God that she is ours. And I pray that we can all rejoice in those gifts around us. Rejoice in those people who serve us by sharing their lives and bringing us so much joy.