Happy Birthday, Mary!

Happy Birthday, Mary! Another year seems to have flown by and we celebrate another birthday. Mary and I have been married for forty-eight years. She was just one when we married (wink-wink… remember I have promised not to ever let her publicly be more than forty-nine), and that makes her just forty-nine! She questioned me just a few days ago when I told her I had not written her birthday devotional. “Why do you need to do that? Haven’t you got other things more important to write?” Well, the answer is a simple “No.” It is important that we celebrate the milestones of life. Birthdays are one of those. So, today I want to draw your attention to the following Scripture and a brief thought as we celebrate together. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV). Do you remember the classic movie Mary Poppins? It has been a favorite and quintessential viewing for almost every child since its release in the 60’s. I suppose every child wished at some time or another that they could have a babysitter like Mary Poppins. They happily sing along with all the songs and try to correctly say the longest word in the world: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which is still one of my favorites. Julie Andrews has warmed our hearts and shown us what angels sound like for decades; and, Dick Van Dyke was cast perfectly in the co-starring role. Mary Poppins was full of beautiful life lessons about friendship, family, and love. One of the great quotes in the movie comes from Mary as she measures the children with her magical tape measure. After measuring each of them, she turns the tape on herself and it reads, “Practically Perfect in Every Way.” And, so she is! As I reflect on the influence and effect Mary has had on my life I think of that scene. I am grateful that she has consistently helped me to “press on” in life. Like the Apostle Paul none of us can make the claim to have arrived at perfection; however, through the grace of God in Christ Jesus, we all can measure up to Mary Poppins’ status. So as Mary and I celebrate her birthday today, I encourage you to use this day to be encouraged in the wonder of God’s grace at work in your life to bring you to “practically perfect” in every way!