As I reflect over my birthday weekend (really, it’s my birthday month, and those who know me, know I’m sorta serious about this), it was one of the best. And by many people’s standards, it probably would have seemed boring. Philip and I, after my Bible study, set off for Panera Bread. But first let me tell you something crazy. As you know, we are living, happily, on a pastor’s salary. An associate pastor’s salary. An associate pastor’s salary who is still in school and has two children and wife addicted to books. So before we set off, I persuade Philip to check the mail, as I’m certain there will be some random check in there. And there was! We were due back 64 dollars for something, and it showed up on Friday! So that was the beginning. We ate at Panera Bread. We went to Barnes and Noble where I bought 3 books, we went to Hobby Lobby where I bought some Christmas decorations. We stopped at Krispy Creme and got some donuts to take home. The. Perfect. Day.
And then this evening, a group from a local college came and played at the church as we had the Lord’s Supper. It was incredible! I wish so much that we had a higher attendance here for those things, they are often so moving. It was a perfect ending to my birthday. And then (Jen, pay close attention) our head pastor casually mentions that he worked with Caedmon’s Call. Caedmon’s Call!!! My favorite band ever. I was so bubbling over with excitement, I’m sure he thought I’d celebrated a little too much for my birthday, but he just kept casually mentioning them by name. Like he knows them. Because he does!
That’s like someone casually mentioning to me that they read Deitrich Bonhoeffer, which, by the way, also happened today in Sunday school! I tell you, it is a season of miracles!
Before I end, let me say quickly that I am content, more than content, ecstatic about where the Lord has us. I want for no thing. I have no need for fancy stuff, and the fact that we got a check for 64 dollars and used that on my birthday, (using Philip’s handy calculator on his phone to keep track) made it all the more fun. And the great thing about being content with what you have is that you can honestly rejoice in another person’s fortune and riches, with no envy. Now that, my friends, is indeed a great birthday present.
Oh, I also got a gift card for Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. Score!
You had me at hello…. Well, Ok, you had me at Birthday, but you sealed the deal with Caedmon’s Call!
Love you girlie! and I’m so glad you had the best birthday! My Christmas trees are up and the Christmas music has been playing in your honor…. well, also in Jesus’ honor, but it’s now legal because it’s your birthday! 🙂
I. love. you. Andi! You are so much fun to read and I can just hear you saying everything to me in conversation. We definitely need to make a trip out there!
I know! Come this Christmas! I miss you! And, since no information is coming to me through Philip, what’s up with graduation?