Thursday, September 16, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

One eye was trained on my rear-view mirror, as everything "comfortable" appeared smaller. We continued driving for what felt like days. It would all be worth it, I kept telling myself. My Dad's 93rd birthday. The last time I talked to him I asked him what I could bring him for his birthday.
"Do you want orange slices? Some Florida sunshine?" 
He vehemently denounced the orange slices and suggested he's had all the "hot sunshine" he could take.
"All I want for my birthday," he said, "is for you to have lunch and maybe dinner with me." 
I suppose at 93 there aren't a lot of "things" you want. Just time with your daughter. 
I wonder how many times My heavenly Father has said the same thing to me? Please spend time with me.  
"Did I call at a bad time, Dad? Were you resting?"  He replies, "I can rest anytime."
I'm sure my heavenly Father thinks the same thing.
I was feeling a little overwhelmed by all that's been going on in my life. And just the very fact that I had gotten so far behind, from being away from home for over two weeks. While reading my devotions early this morning I came across this Bible verse and felt at peace. 
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.
That reminded me, that no matter how far behind I get, no matter how stressed I'm feeling, all I need to do is is remember:
My eyes are ever on the Lord. Psalm 25:15   because: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10.
 My Father, according to him had the best birthday ever.  I've never missed one birthday. I've always been there to celebrate with him. I feel blessed to still have him in my life.

3 comments:

Carol J. Garvin said...

How wonderful that he is still with you and that you are close enough to have been able to share all his birthdays. My mom died in 1983 and my dad in 2003. They lived many miles away and I didn't see nearly enough of them in their later years so I treasure what memories I have.

In the times when my life became complicated and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, I found some of those verses you mention and they were comforting. I've also clung to, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5) The ultimate reassurance!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks so much Joy. It's great to be back. Give Cory a big hug from me!!!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks so much Carol for you words of encouragement. It's the times that I sit quietly and "wait on the Lord' that I find the most strength and comfort---funny how that works huh?