Time to Celebrate!

The moment the clocked struck 12:15am on February 15^th, my parents would dash into my room to wish me a happy birthday. At 8, I had a sleepover where my cousin and her boyfriend taught us all how to country line dance. At, 17 my mom made enough pound cake to serve the entire basketball stadium as everyone sang Happy Birthday to me at the end of our game. At 28, my husband surprised me with a dinner party with some of my favorite people. I love birthdays and really a celebration of any kind – a Christmas party, a Easter gathering, or just a Mexican themed dinner. But, really, birthdays are my favorite. They are one day completely dedicated to celebrating God’s purpose in a person’s life. God loved you so much that He created you, welcomed you into this world, and blessed others to know you. It is a wonderful day where I always want my friends and family to feel loved, cared for and do exactly what they want.

That feeling is what I wanted for Shante, an amazing newly 18 year old who is graduating from Church Hill Academy on June 1^st. She has been a part of my L.O.V.E Bible study for 6 years and recently has become a part of our family. Joining us for dinner each night, babysitting our boys, spending the weekends with us have become commonplace. She is a joy to have around. Quiet but thoughtful and always willing to serve. As her 18^th birthday approached, I asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday.

“You know, I’ve never had a birthday party before,” Shante said.

“Well, a birthday party it is.”

With guacamole being Shante’s favorite food of all time, a nacho bar was the logical party theme. But really, this night isn’t about guacamole or a really amazing ice cream cake. It is about Shante. As I finished placing each punch glass on the counter, my eyes teared up. My heart started to break. I thought back to every party, shower, wedding, that my dear, beautiful mother put on for her friends, friends’ children, and of course her own family. She tirelessly worked to celebrate others. Each perfectly arranged flower, each delicious dish, each coordinating napkin and plate; they all showed her love for others. Her actions taught me that others are to be celebrated. God’s children are beautiful, meaningful and meant to be celebrated at any age, at any stage. How thankful I am for my mother and her example.

And now I am weep over God’s heart for his people and how much he loves us, I am overwhelmed with sadness knowing Shante has never been celebrated before. No party. No balloons. No celebration of the beautiful, loyal, kind woman that she is. Not until tonight. The taco meat is made, ice cream cake decorated, and paper mache cactus painted. It's time to sing Happy Birthday and remember the purpose, the excitement, and the joy of Shante. From the moment you entered this world, until now, Shante, “I’m so glad you’ve come!”