Best birthday ever
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my 34th birthday. Thank you to everyone who wished me a "Happy Birthday!" I have to say this was by far the best birthday I've ever had for so many reasons. You might be thinking, "How can anyone have the best anything ever with the way 2020 has been going?" Well, you just have to be thankful for the little things and cherish the moments you sometimes overlook because you get busy.
First, I'm thankful to have broken Jesus' record on the number of years spent on this earth with my family and friends. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to heaven someday, but God has placed so many blessings in my life, sometimes it feels like heaven on earth!
I also got this one present I was really excited about. I really wanted one of those hiking packs to carry my little boy in when we go hiking. That is the gift that keeps on giving! I know my idea of "fun" is not the same as most people but hiking up Badger with 24 pounds of cuteness on my back, plus getting to get some muscle activation in my legs and lungs, THAT is fun!
What made my birthday the best ever wasn't making it past 33 years old or getting any snazzy backpack, it was time with my family.
All week I looked forward to getting up at 5:00AM to start a fire and smoke a fat brisket all day long. Audrey said she wanted to get up with me and help. It was so great! "We are going to get up when it is still night out?" "Yep, Sis! We are!" And we did.
I went into her room very early, and she hopped right up out of bed as if she hadn't really been asleep waiting for the birthday activities to begin. We stayed in our jammies but added hoodies and other layers because it was a little chilly out. We added some logs to the smoker box, got the fire started, put the brisket on when the fire was ready, then made a blitz to Starbucks for a birthday drink.
On the way home from getting our treat, Audrey offered me a sip of her delicious, full-sugar drink, "Want a sip of mine, Birthday Girl?!" That made me chuckle. This girl is growing up so fast.
We spent the day tending the fire, playing outside as Bear explored the backyard. We snacked on junk food, preparing the birthday dinner as a family. On the menu: brisket, fried okra, sweet corn on the cob, kale salad, sweet dinner rolls, and for dessert…homemade chocolate ice cream that we made together.
After our bellies were full and our bodies tired from a fun day of just being together, we all snuggled up on the couch to watch one of mom's favorite movies, "Hairspray."
The book 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman says there are five ways people give and receive love: words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. My number one, by a long shot, is quality time. No amount of money in the whole world could ever buy a gift so precious as the gift of quality family time on my birthday!
Why am I telling you about my birthday? Isn't this an article for the church's newsletter? Yes, it is. Where is Jesus in this story, Ape?
He is everywhere in this story, and He reminded me of the one thing He desires most from us through the best birthday I've ever had.
He wants quality time with us.
My birthday, and frankly, this whole year, has reminded me of the priceless value of time spent with those you love most. It has reminded me that the way I feel as a mom and wife about my time spent with my family is the same way God feels when we spend time with Him.
I believe He longs for time spent—agenda-free—with Him. Making memories, sharing our hearts, hopes, fears, and simply getting to know each other better. Or in some cases, it's just time getting to know each other again.
Maybe you have been wandering through this year like me, and you sometimes don't realize the month has changed or that it has been a few days since you actually talked to God. And I'm not talking about "Dear God, please give me this or that." I'm saying, have you let a few days go by without just resting in the Father's arms. Have you shared your joy, hurts, anxiety, happiness, and your whole self? Have you thanked Him for all He is in your life?
In our church's small groups, we're starting a new study by John Eldredge called Get Your Life Back. I haven't read it yet, but I will. From what I know about the book so far, it could also be titled, Get Quality Time Back with God and Get Your Head/Heart Back in Focus in 2020.
As a mom, I am daily growing in my understanding and attachment to the scriptures that speak to God's desire to be a part of our lives. That is definitely making me softer as I get older. It's making me more aware of what God has for my life and what is most important.
He is jealous for us. He is jealous for you.
Stop in your day. Spend time with Him. Turn off the radio. Sit outside in silent peace. Close your eyes and take a slow deep breath in and out. Open your Bible instead of Facebook.
Be a little more like Mary in a Martha world (Luke 10:38-42.)
Go be a blessing,
April Bergez
Worship Leader