I Can’t Wait!
If the stars should appear only one night a year, think how we would long for that special night. It would be astounding. Families would be out on the decks waiting with great anticipation. It would be such an event. Cameras would be set up to preserve the remembrance of such a spectacular sight. It would be an astonishing gift to be able to see such beauty. For most of us the night sky glistening with stars is not so amazing. It’s ordinary. We just expect it, take it for granted. There are plenty of nights to look at the stars. If we weren’t blessed with this glorious gift each and every night… then when we did see a beautiful star, it wouldn’t seem so ordinary. Our eyes would widen, our hearts would pound at the sight of a sparkling sky. It would be spectacular in our minds and hearts. And yet the stars are there every night; a magnificent gift for us to enjoy.
This speaks to a situation many of us experience and that is the giving of gifts to our grand children, spectacular gifts. Gifts they expect. Gifts they take for granted. Why? Because of course for the same reason we take for granted all the gifts of the universe; plenty. When you are blessed with plenty, appreciation goes out the window.
We are guilty of burdening our family with plenty. Each time we enter a store, we exit with something for the kids. A new game or toy comes on the market and we get it for them now. What would happen if they had to wait? If they didn’t have a room full of toys at home, would any gift be exciting? Would one special gift given on a birthday be more amazing, more brilliant if it weren’t clouded by a plethora of others given every single day? What would happen if we stopped buying Xbox 360 gaming systems, PSP hand held games, High School Musical and Baby Einstein products? What if we didn’t get her the Barbie three story dream house complete with a stove that sizzles, a doorbell, house intercom and a flushing toilet?
What if a child’s birthday was simply a wonderful homemade cake with candles and a dining room full of family? What if all year long that child looked forward to the one day when he or she would be special? My birthday was important. I looked forward, counted the days, wished for that one special doll. Hopeful, but never knowing if I would be so blessed to have it. The anticipation was glorious. The day would come and my eyes widened and my heart pounded. It was special, out of the ordinary, amazing. My birthday would be an extraordinary event for me to enjoy just once a year. When it was over I would spend another year anticipating that one spectacular day when I would be special again.
I am a grandmother to three great little boys. I have made a decision to give them glorious gifts. Gifts that will make their eyes widen and hearts pound. Gifts they will remember. I’m giving them time with me; time to bake, create, play, learn, and to read and sing. But I won’t be buying them the next best thing. The next best thing just won’t be so special. Oh my stars, I can’t wait!
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Stephanie Marchbanks
March 1, 2011 at 8:06 am
"We are guilty of burdening our family with plenty." I love that.
Thanks for this post.
Heather Palacios
March 1, 2011 at 1:49 pm
"What if a child’s birthday was simply a wonderful homemade cake with candles and a dining room full of family?"
Growing up on welfare, I grew up with birthdays like these-and they are some of my most fondest childhood memories. We don't need more stuff…we need more love.
Great post!
Susan Shipe
March 2, 2011 at 6:09 am
Oh MY GOOD LORD JESUS, thank YOU for Yvonne's holy boldness to say what needs to be said about this. I am doing the happy, holy, jubilation jig right here in my home office. This needs to be published on the front page of every newspaper in America.
This is a TRUE WORD from the throne room of GLORY.
Amen, sister, and again, I say, AMEN.
Let it be, Lord.
Selah…
Pause and think about it.
YES, LORD.
Can you tell I love this?
xoxo