This coming week there are three very important people in my life who are celebrating a birthday. On Monday, my daughter-in-law, Joy, has a birthday. She married my oldest son, and she kind of reminds me of myself. When Dan was in college he started asking me questions about where I had grown up on Long Island, just outside of New York City. He had never shown any interest in it before, so I was a bit surprised. It turns out that he ended up marrying a girl who lived near where I grew up. She’s a short, feisty New Yorker who loves to talk and to spend time with friends. Dan is your quiet type more like his father, so Joy brings out the best in him.
Then on Tuesday, my father would have celebrated his 101st birthday if he were still alive. I adored my father. He raised me with unconditional love as a wonderful example of our Heavenly Father. He always made me feel like I could do anything, and he supported me in all that I did. I remember once when he endured a lengthy choral concert that was entirely in Latin just so that he could be there for me. Every time I hear the benediction at church it reminds of my dad standing in the pulpit of our church each Sunday.
Then on Friday, my college roommate and the maid-of-honor at my wedding, is turning 60. I cannot even comprehend how the years have passed so quickly. It seems that just yesterday we were running through the halls of the school and having dinner together in the dining hall. We once stayed up most of the night studying for a Fine Arts exam. We had to memorize the names of the paintings and castles based just on their pictures. By 2:00 am we were laughing hysterically and having a great time. Even though we haven’t lived near each other for almost 40 years, Sue is still a good friend.
So as I think of all the wonderful people that God has brought into my life over the years, I am so very thankful that He has blessed me with dear friends, supportive parents, and happy memories. Most of all, I am thankful for the assurance that even though I don’t get to be with them for their birthdays, I will get to spend eternity with them in Heaven, as they have all professed faith in Jesus Christ.
This weekend, be sure to spend some time with those you love. You’ll be making a memory that will last a lifetime.
Because of His Faithfulness,
Sharon C. Brobst, Ed.D.
Director