The Simple, Beautiful Gift Right Before Us

I didn’t realize what a gift a facetime call from my dad could be.

My birthday was April 11th. And, it was bittersweet. Some tears fell as I realized that this would be the first time in my life I wasn’t able to hear from my dad on my birthday.

But, you know what God did?

Let me rewind. As some of you know, my dad has been in the ICU since December because of covid. He has been covid free for a while now, but the pneumonia affected him greatly. He’s been a marathon runner, has been working full time, and is the most positive person I know.

He had to get a tracheostomoy a month ago so he could rest his lungs and build up his strength. He just moved to another branch of the hospital to get weaned off the vent. We can’t hear his voice yet and can only read his lips until he gets off the trach., so I haven’t been able to talk to my dad on the phone for a few months now. They’re weaning him off of it now and he’s doing well and is started to gain strength. I’m praying for God to continue working a miracle in my dad. I know with God all things are possible.

So fast forward to my birthday. My family was gathered around the dinner table.

My phone rang.

It was my dad.My dad.

Facetiming me.

On my birthday.

Mouthing, “Happy Birthday.”

Wow.

It took my breath away.

That he remembered my birthday with all he has gone through and that he made sure to wish me a happy birthday.

That was the gift I wanted for my birthday, and I am so thankful the Lord gave it to me.

It sure is easy to take for granted the “little” things: being able to talk to loved ones, hearing their voices, being in the same room with them.

But don’t take it for granted. Take it in. Relish it. Enjoy it. Give thanks for it.

Let go of more, more, more, and ungratefulness, and give thanks for what is before you.

May we always give thanks for these simple gifts the Lord has given us.

Lord, we are so grateful.

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Have you ever felt like you just don’t know what to do, or how to handle something, in parenting, in life, or whatever it is on your plate?

I read this beautiful excerpt this morning that tells us just what to do, from 2 Chronicles 20. 

When a vast army was coming after Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and his people, Jehoshaphat said to the Lord: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

When you don’t know how to handle a situation with your kid, with work, with emotions, with whatever it is going on, we are reminded here to shift our eyes from that onto the Lord. 

While I was reading 2 Chronicles 20 this morning, I listened to Phil Wickam’s beautiful song, “Battle Belongs” and realized it comes straight from this story.

As the vast army was out to pursue them, all the men, women, and their children stood before the LORD and they were told: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

Then, Jehosophat told his people to have faith. To get through their situation, the people all:

Bowed down and worshipped the Lord,

Gave thanks to the Lord

Sang and praised the Lord

And, as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes up and that day Jehospohat was victorious. 

Then, Jehosophat and his people rejoiced and praised the Lord. “And the kingdom of Jehosophat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”

In your situation, find rest, by turning your eyes to the Lord. He will guide you a moment a time. 

Oh, Lord, would you give us rest on every side? When we don’t know what to do, Lord, help us look to you. Our eyes are on You. Please show us the way. Thank you, Lord, that you are victorious, that you are powerful, that you are above all, and that all things are possible with you. We praise you for going ahead of us, giving us your strength, your heart, your wisdom, and for showing us the way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.