“What would you like for your birthday?” In my usual ‘Miss Modesty’ mode, I answered, “I don’t really want anything, I have all I need. I just want to thank God for another year…” That said, I noticed covert meetings were going on, unexplained disappearances to the shopping centre and suspicious glances when I entered the room. Being a smart aleck, I deduced I was getting a present after all. Why spoil the fun? I decided to play along and pretend I was not aware.
Come the fateful day, I woke up very early. My people were still sleeping, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to get a glimpse at my present. I went from room to room but couldn’t find anything. Strange! They must have upped their game in hiding presents. My people finally woke up and gathered around for the off-key birthday song, hugs, kisses and all. Patiently, I waited, but they only stared back. Then the penny dropped! There was no present after all. I had gotten it all wrong. I put on a brave face, but deep down I was disappointed. “Stingy lot,” I thought. “No does not always mean no!”
I needed to get away from them for a bit, so I mumbled something about needing to go for a walk to continue my ‘praising the Lord for another year’ business. I stepped out on the porch, and there sitting nicely, all beautifully wrapped up, were my birthday presents. My eyes welled up, tears of joy and appreciation rolled down my cheeks. It had been outside all along. Sometimes, what we are looking for in life might just be ‘outside the house’. Dare to look out!
Beautiful Ivory 