Whew! Pulling off a surprise wasn’t the easiest task I’ve pulled off as a wife. I so wanted my husband’s 50th birthday to be a special one. It’s been my desire to encourage him on this monumental day (Jan. 22nd). He’s taking this birthday a little hard and I wanted him to see and hear that his life and ministry have counted for so much in light of eternity. Sooooo, I planned a few things to accomplish that.
Beginning on December 4th, fifty days before his birthday, I’ve had one person a day call him to mention his upcoming birthday, then share how his life has impacted them. It took him about five days to figure out what was going on, then each day he’d try to figure out who was going to be “his caller.” Many teased him about the big “5-0”, but then went on to express their appreciation for his friendship and/or ministry. What a blessing each caller has been.
Then of course this surprise party at church last night was another way to encourage him. How wonderful our dear congregation was to come out on a cold night and let him to know how much they love him. As he was practicing music in the sanctuary, about 130 people filed into the auditorium singing “Happy Birthday!” We then headed down to the gym for a soup supper and fellowship, followed by the hilarious opening up of his gifts. He received many gifts of “50.” Fifty pennies, quarters, jelly beans, chocolate kisses, raisins, dollars (!), lists of reasons why they appreciate him, reasons why he should have a happy birthday, etc.
Lastly, the service that followed was also to encourage him. He had no idea that he wasn’t doing any preaching or leading last night until we went upstairs. It was a blessing for Allison and me to sing one of his very favorite songs – “Written in Red.” Then a DVD was shown that our dear sound man put together of my pictures of Dale’s ministry at our church these eight years, plus voice recordings of as many people in our church that were able to come and make a recording of a birthday message for him. It ended with “I saw Jesus in You” by Ron Hamilton. One of our young preachers ended the service preaching about David, a man after God’s own heart. He made much of Christ, which is exactly what Dale desires.
We were not there last night to exalt Dale Cunningham, but his God. We were not praising Dale Cunningham for what he’s done, but for what the Lord has done through him. We all need examples of people that are vessels – just a receptacle, which is defined as a container, device, etc., that receives or holds something. A godly person receives Christ as their Savior, then walks under the control of the Holy Spirit so others can see Him at work.
When I finished reading the story of Joseph this morning I was reminded that just as we are given so many wonderful examples of godly people in Scripture, so are we given living examples of people whose lives we may emulate. They should be honored so that our children will see that these are the kind of examples to follow. The world is always throwing before us poor examples of people whose lives are worldly and sinful. We should praise the Lord when we see someone who is, not perfect, but trying by God’s help to walk the path our Savior trod.
For that reason I say, “Sweetheart, I thank God for your life and example. What a blessing you are to me! Happy birthday!”
Whew! Pulling off a surprise wasn’t the easiest task I’ve pulled off as a wife. I so wanted my husband’s 50th birthday to be a special one. It’s been my desire to encourage him on this monumental day (Jan. 22nd). He’s taking this birthday a little hard and I wanted him to see and hear that his life and ministry have counted for so much in light of eternity. Sooooo, I planned a few things to accomplish that.
RefreshHer 
I just love “RefreshHer”. I have visited a lot of websites that provide daily devotionals, but this one is such an encouragement to me since it comes from my Church family. Thank you Denise for reminding me that it’s not about me or the people around me, but it’s about God. Every gift we have, every possession, even the people in our lives are gifts from God. You are a gift to me and you encourage me on how to handle everyday living…good and bad. Thanks again and God Bless.
LikeLike