Happy Birthday, David!

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers¹ came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:2-4 ESV).

 

Today is David’s birthday. Because it happens to fall on Good Friday, I did not write a singular devotional inspired by this day. There are actually two today! I suppose that qualifies as a “BOGO”! At any rate, I did not want the day to pass without writing a few remarks about my thoughts today. The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single child, is a reward and blessing. Whether they're bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, children are a gift from God and a source for the growth of His Kingdom here on Earth!

 

While our reading today is from the Apostle Paul’s perspective of his “spiritual” children, the truth applies for me in the physical realm also. Paul says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (v. 4). The picture I’ve attached is David and his children (Becca was the designated photographer). The fish David is holding is one of many he has caught and released with the kids. The key for me is that it was a family event. Perhaps the greatest lesson I was taught by my Dad, and one that I tried to teach to my sons, was that family really is everything.

 

I know that it is not true for all, but for me, family is the greatest treasure God could have given me in this physical world. Combine that with today’s meaning in the spiritual world and you have a complete picture of how much God desires to work good in our lives. He has provided for our redemption and the joy of family to me. I cannot imagine a great gifting than that.

 

It may be that you have not experienced that in your life. I encourage you to work toward reconciliation with both God and your family. Happy Birthday, David… thank you for being so much more than I ever was!