How Did That Happen?

My Son’s Fortieth Birthday – How Did that Happen?

Last week was an absolutely wonderful week.  Following a week in Disney World with our younger son’s entire family, his wife Nicole came and brought the four younger grandchildren to spend their spring break in Atlanta visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  In addition, Jamie and she treated our family to a wonderful birthday dinner for our older son Scott, turning 40, his oldest daughter, Taylor, turning 16, and me, turning somewhat older than either of them, at a lovely restaurant in Madison, GA.

After a delicious meal, everyone exchanged birthday cards.  I had written on our son’s card a personal note from his dad and me.  Many of you know my personal testimony, including the fact that our older son is adopted.  See God, the Poodle Clipper, and a Baby for reference.  We picked up our son at the hospital when he was five days old on my birthday. 

Inside Scott’s card, I had written, in part:  Son, the most precious birthday gift I have ever received on my birthday was the priceless privilege and honor to call you ‘my Son.’  Scott is one of those rare men who read the entire birthday card before he looks at the Gift Card, the check amount, or the value on the greenback in the card.

I watched as he read the note, his eyes filling a little, as he looked up to me and nodded.  In a few moments, after opening the rest of his cards, he slipped out of his chair, walked over behind me, and bent down to whisper into my ear.  "Mom, the most wonderful birthday present I ever received was when you and Dad called me Son."  Together, we hugged and wept a little, overwhelmed at the goodness of God who, according to Psalm 68:6, sets the solitary in families. 

Yet, as amazing as God’s bringing us together as a family is, even more amazing is His love revealed in 1 John 3:1 – Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…

You and I have been adopted by Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, the Great God who is above all but Who chose to reach down into the dirt of this earth, pluck us from it, set us upon the rock of His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and to call us His own daughter, His own son.  What manner of love!!!!

© 2011 Gerry Sisk

(04/13/11)