Expressing Joy and Gratitude

   Last March, Al and I flew out to Michigan to help our youngest grandson celebrate his fifth birthday. Turning five marked a big milestone for Elliot who would be finishing up two years of preschool and then attending the same elementary school as his older brother, Nate, in the fall.

   Three parties were held for him: the first was at his house with family and friends in attendance; the second was at a gymnasium with his little school and soccer friends, and the third was held at his preschool. At each of those special celebrations, he was just bubbling over with joy.

   Al and I thought it would be easier to buy something for him while in Michigan rather than getting it here and packing it into the suitcase. After being there a few days, we happened to notice that he had outgrown his bike helmet. We went shopping before the first party, which had a Star Wars theme, and found a black one with red flames on each side that seemed to be the right size and looked appropriate for that particular theme.

   When opening his presents, Elliot treated each one as though it was the most special of all of his gifts, making the person who gave it feel very pleased. He seemed to genuinely appreciate everything, even Star Wars socks and washcloths.

   “Oh, I love this!” he would say, emphasizing the word “love,” while holding up each present. He seemed delighted with his new helmet. He and Nate examined it later as they sat together in the family room, going through all of the boxes and bags, putting things together and playing with the toys. Rather than taking them to the playroom upstairs and forgetting about them, the boys spent hours quietly looking over all of the gifts.  We were happy that the helmet fit and that he was so excited to get it.

   Shortly after returning home, we received a note from the “Rebel Alliance” and Elliot (with the help of his mom): “Dear Grandpa Al and Grandma Judy, Thank you for coming to my party! I love my new bike helmet!”

   Elliot’s enthusiasm inspires me to express my praise to God for…being our loving Father in heaven, hearing and answering our prayers, Al’s successful hip joint replacement last week, the support of family and friends, safe travel to and from Santa Monica, the time to rest and recuperate here at home, the beauty of our yard enhanced by two tall spires of yucca blossoms, fresh produce from the garden… and for the opportunity to more spend more time with our amazing Michigan family at the end of the summer!

   Thank you, dear Father for lavishing your blessings upon us. Please help us to open each gift with gratitude and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

   “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. When all of the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’ ” 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 NIV