I absolutely love birthdays. I love celebrating them. Especially for my kids. I feel it is the one time of year, that it is socially acceptable to spoil your child. When my oldest was about to turn ten, I almost forgot his birthday.
It was 7 days till his birthday when I realized I hadn't planned a thing! Not only had I forgotten this major event, but we were leaving for vacation next week. This coming weekend was the only time to do something, and I had missed this small window of opportunity.
Pretty embarrassing calling the bowling alley, (where he wanted his party), and asking if they had a spot available on Saturday, (which was only 5 days from now). Obviously it wasn't happening.
I felt so upset with myself. How had I let this important day fall through the cracks? What did that say about me as a mom?
I talked with my son, told him we would have the bowling party after vacation. He was fine with that, but I wasn't. My heart hurt, I felt I had let him down, and it made me feel as if I was failing at being his mom.
Then I remembered his birthday a few years back. Money was really tight. I mean, cry yourself to sleep tight. I had had the same feeling of failure as I wrapped a couple little gifts in-between tears. When the next morning came, I remember being shocked when he was so thrilled with his presents. He kept saying thank you over and over all night. I remember feeling so silly for worrying, and grateful to God for blessing me with a child who was thankful for even the smallest of items.
This reminds me of how God can use us. He doesn't need us all preaching on street corners, or wearing brightly colored t-shirts that say I love Jesus. He just wants us. He wants to hold us, comfort us, and use us. Even when we think we have nothing to offer, he can use us. Don't let the pressure of what gifts you think a Christian has to have hold you back. Just give him yourself, and be blessed.
It was 7 days till his birthday when I realized I hadn't planned a thing! Not only had I forgotten this major event, but we were leaving for vacation next week. This coming weekend was the only time to do something, and I had missed this small window of opportunity.
Pretty embarrassing calling the bowling alley, (where he wanted his party), and asking if they had a spot available on Saturday, (which was only 5 days from now). Obviously it wasn't happening.
I felt so upset with myself. How had I let this important day fall through the cracks? What did that say about me as a mom?
I talked with my son, told him we would have the bowling party after vacation. He was fine with that, but I wasn't. My heart hurt, I felt I had let him down, and it made me feel as if I was failing at being his mom.
Then I remembered his birthday a few years back. Money was really tight. I mean, cry yourself to sleep tight. I had had the same feeling of failure as I wrapped a couple little gifts in-between tears. When the next morning came, I remember being shocked when he was so thrilled with his presents. He kept saying thank you over and over all night. I remember feeling so silly for worrying, and grateful to God for blessing me with a child who was thankful for even the smallest of items.
This reminds me of how God can use us. He doesn't need us all preaching on street corners, or wearing brightly colored t-shirts that say I love Jesus. He just wants us. He wants to hold us, comfort us, and use us. Even when we think we have nothing to offer, he can use us. Don't let the pressure of what gifts you think a Christian has to have hold you back. Just give him yourself, and be blessed.
