Who goes big on a 65th birthday party? This was the thought I had some weeks after celebrating my Mum’s 65th birthday with a surprise party which seemed a bit odd as the thought crossed my mind. We even put together a book of memories which included stories and memories from all her family and friends. It’s more usual to celebrate the decade markers – 50, 60, 70 – isn’t it?
Mum’s dear friend and neighbor, Gail, offered to host a barbeque and did all the catering herself which helped with the surprise element. The rationale for holding this party at this particular time made perfect sense to us. As you may know by now, we live across the Atlantic Ocean from our family so when we did all gather together it was a big event.
After their grandchildren came along, my parents’ biggest delight was to have them all together at the same time so they could enjoy all 5 of them at once and have the two families joined together for a visit. This was the case that summer of 2002. My family travelled to Scotland for a visit with my parents and my brother and his family coordinated with us. When we were making our travel plans we realized it would be my Mum’s birthday during our visit and so the party planning began.
We had fun organizing her celebration and even more fun at her barbeque. Our two families were there, Gail’s family, her children and grandchildren and some of the neighbors as well. Mum never liked being fussed over but I think she truly enjoyed her birthday celebration surrounded by many of the people she loved the most. The weather cooperated and we spent the whole afternoon outside, chatting with one another and playing with the children.
Have you wondered at the timing of something in your life which maybe didn’t make sense at the time it took place?
Little did we know that Mum wouldn’t make it to her 70th birthday. She died of lung cancer at age 68 just a few years later. That’s when the timing of her 65th birthday party made perfect sense.
God knew when she would be called home so He put on our hearts to celebrate that summer while she was in good health and we were all together at Gran and Grandad’s house.
At this time in my life I am less likely to question when or how things happen. I’ve seen during my lifetime that it is not me who is in control of events. Paying attention to those voices and urges in your life is always a good policy, especially when none of us know what the future holds.
God sent us an Advocate to be with us, the Holy Spirit, after Jesus ascended to heaven. We all have access to the Holy Spirit; we just have to tune in and pay attention. Have you ever found yourself doing something you didn’t intend to do, or mindlessly going somewhere you didn’t consciously decide to go, only to find a surprise or something unexpected happen? These are the promptings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit which place us where God wants us at any given time. If you pay attention, you will see that God is guiding you and your life in ways you don’t even realize.
[More examples of this in upcoming posts… ]
May you know the presence of the Holy Spirit and feel those little “Godincidences” every day so that you understand that you are loved and cared for in every circumstance of your life.
Peace & blessings,
Linda