The *Perfect* Birthday Present

My birthday is coming up. January 8th 🙂

I start looking forward to my birthday every year on the 9th – I love it. I make a point to have a good time and set myself up for delight – choosing my clothes, breakfast, and day’s activities in advance to celebrate the fact that God has given me enough breath for yet another year.

In anticipation for my own birthday as well as Christ’s, I figure out what I want, submitting gift ideas to those who request them and looking forward to possible surprises. In recent years, however, the desires of my heart have evolved from things to time.

It’s the gift every wife and mother wants. Time for a date night with my husband accompanied by babysitting; a chance to go out with one or two of my kids on our own so I can really get to know them outside of our home; time to sneak away for coffee or a manicure; or even time alone in my house to relax or finally work on organizing a room or two sans interruption. I want time more than anything else because I’ve recognized my desperation for all of the above – things that material possessions couldn’t possibly enhance or offer.

And I’m just realizing in this very minute that time is probably at the top of Christ’s wish list, too. More time with me. Time in the quiet of adoration; time in the work and relaxation of my marriage and home; time in prayerful conversation so I can get to know Him better and fall in love.

Life is ever full of distractions and, examining all that to which I offer my attention, I’m learning to separate the wheat from the chaff; I’m sure I’ll always be. Though I hesitate to make resolutions for a whole year, at least for today I can be determined to fulfill that desire of Christ’s for more time with me; and in doing so, my own heart will be full.