Saturday, August 9, 2008

Celebrating the marks of a blessed life

My four sisters and I and our families came together today, along with many of our parent's family and friends, to celebrate our dad's 70th birthday. It was great to re-connect with aunts, uncles, cousins and long time family friends, many of whom we hadn't seen in awhile. What was most remarkable to see is how blessed my mom and dad are to have so many family and friends who care enough about them to come and celebrate with them.

Psalm 128 says,

1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.

And so my dad is reaping what he has sown. He has been a kind and generous friend to many. He has lived a life of blessing others, giving selflessly of himself, teaching his children to fear God and to love and serve God and other people. What an example to follow! What a legacy to leave behind!

Happy birthday Dad. Maybe I'll be blessed to have you around for my 70th birthday; hey, you'll only be a young 95 yrs old by then!