We Aren’t Looking For a Party — We Are a Party
And, just looking for a place to land….on LAND and on OCEAN!
On Thursday, September 16th , our Alexia turned 21! It’s been hard for me to grasp this one. How did our darling little Lexi aka Alexia (now that she’s outgrown Lexi) get to 21 so fast? Her mom and dad, (Staci and Larry), her brother and girlfriend (Payton and Aleah), and ME – celebrated her big day deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico!
What a glorious day and God made sure that we knew He made it for us. It rained on us on the way to the ferry that carried us to Port Aransas. But, the rain was worth the gift God gave us. For nearly an hour, God blessed us with a rainbow that let us know He was right there with us.
Then He super blessed us with catching big kingfish and, of course, our Alexia, the birthday girl er’ woman caught the first one. What a workout she had reeling it in. A full day of fishing, breathing in the salt air and enjoying God’s bountiful creation. Coming back into port, the dolphins didn’t disappoint. They greeted us, but they had a plan in mind — they knew we would feed them and we did.
And, the topper was having a captain and deck hand (his godson’s son), both Christians, who were proud to share their love for God.
Then, birthday night, Larry and Staci’s ministry and business staff joined us for more sweet birthday celebrations, which, of course, included Mexican food.
Daily, I look for “God” messages in the “ordinary” of living for my blogs. Yesterday I found Him in embracing the awesomeness of God showing up in awesome ways, enjoying so much laughter, family traditions, and the joy and memories we share together in silly little ways. Alexia is our on-site comedian as you can see her kissing yet another fish – her claim to fame — so laughter is a huge benefit of partying with her.
We are her “lifers” because Alexia knows we are the ones who pray for her daily, and who believe God’s best for her.
Yesterday, I realized that “besties” are those who bring the party with them wherever they go. They laugh at your jokes that just maybe aren’t that funny; they listen to that story that you’ve told several times before; they tell you, you look good despite the crumbs on your face or stains on your shirt.
They are your lifers. I tend to think that we are a lot like Jesus. In Jesus, life is a party. In fact, He joins us at celebrations. He had many occasions where He showed up to party. He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. He healed and raised people from the dead. At the parties he was at, He provided the food (loaves and fishes) AND the entertainment.
He gave them keys to success. Just think of it, as His brothers and sisters, we will continue to party together with Him for all of eternity. But, in the meantime because He lives in us, the party continues. This day Jesus is asking us all to trust Him and do as He says: “Love, give, be kind, share, be joyful, encourage, and be full of excitement for each day that He holds.
He has a party in store for those of us who look for it. We can always live in the joy of Christ. May we always have the courage to celebrate and party in the good times and the tough times, and may we be the “party animals” that carry His love and give out His love wherever we go.