Saturday, September 30th was shaping up to be a relaxing day around the house with mom and all you guys. I actually wasn’t too surprised that Mom-mom and Grandpa showed up in the afternoon, and mom mentioned that she had planned a surprise date night. We casually decided to head up to Frederick for the evening. Although I was interested in checking out a French restaurant, Mom suggested we go back to one of our favorites up there, the Wine Kitchen.
When we arrived they first told us that there were no tables available Then the host did a quick check, and said they would actually be able to squeeze us in the back of the restaurant. As we headed towards the back I noticed a good friend of mine, Devon Kauflin, sitting with his wife Kristine at a long table. When I panned to the right, next to Kristine was Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Kevin. It turned out that this evening was a surprise 40th birthday celebration with some of my closest friends.
These folks were gathered together to celebrate my life, 40 years on this earth. Each of them I’ve learned much from- how to be a better son, a better husband, a better father and a better friend. They have poured themselves out into my life and served my family in ways that I just didn’t think were possible. They’ve walked with us through various seasons of life from the time we got married up until now- through marital bliss and conflicts, through the joy of having 4 kids and the pain of losing one, and all of life’s ups and downs in between...
Through all of this,they have been faithful to point us back to our Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Proverb 27:17 states, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” They have kept us sharp through wise counsel and have compelled us to learn and love God's word more.
Hebrews 13:8- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
1 Cor 6:20, 10:31- “for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body…So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Our goal in life is to glorify God and they have modeled this well for us.
I would be remiss if I didn’t call out what an amazing job my bride did in organizing and planning this special evening. The food and drinks were excellent! (How can you go wrong with a ribeye, and mom would point out that it was local and grassfed). Most importantly the friends and family that were present completed the night. Reema – thank you for this special night. Every day with you is a gift and I can’t thank God enough for bringing us together 9 years ago. I’m a better son, husband, father and friend because of you. I love you.
Every once in a while an event takes place that you know that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. For me, this was a night to remember.
