My older daughter loves birthdays — especially her own. If you were to ask her right now, she would probably give you the location, theme and guest list for her next three birthday parties. She is enthusiastic and thorough. It’s one of the things that just makes me smile when I think about her.
This enthusiasm can create some interesting situations. I have a friend who owns a ranch just outside of town. My daughter loves this friend. I was talking to my husband one day about a birthday party that this friend had hosted at their ranch for another family. Immediately my daughter decided that was where she wanted her 6th birthday party. I explained to my daughter that her birthday was about a week after my friend was due to give birth and that I would not ask her to host a party this year. I told my daugher that if she was good, I would talk to Mrs. Ranch about having her next birthday party there. She agreed and I thought the discussion was over — at least until we got closer to birthday #7.
Imagine my surprise to see my daughter the next Sunday after church having a very animated conversation with Mr. Ranch. Mr. Ranch is a very kind man who is a corporate executive. He is focused and decisive. And one smile from my daugher turns him into a bowl of mashed potatoes. I’m glad she’s too young to ask for car keys becuase he might give in if she catches him in a moment of weakness. Back to the conversation. It went something like this:
Daugher: “. . . and we’re going to ride horses, and swim in the pool, and have a big campfire, and . . . .” (this went on for awhile)
Mr. Ranch: “Oh really? That sounds like fun!”
Daughter: “Yeah! It’s gonna be awesome!”
Mr. Ranch: “Where are you going to have this party next year?”
Daughter: “YOUR HOUSE!!!”
Mrs. Ranch and I were visiting as my daughter bounded down the aisle with Mr. Ranch following behind. He looked at me with one of those cat-who-ate-the-canary grins and said, “Your daughter has been telling me all about her plans for her next birthday party!” I wanted to crawl under the nearest seat. You see, I hadn’t said anything to Mr. & Mrs. Ranch about this yet. My sweet, enterprising daughter decided to bypass me, the “middle man” and go straight to the owner of the ranch to make it happen. I was throughly embarrassed by this, but Mr. & Mrs. Ranch both found it quite entertaining.
Embarrassment aside, there is a wonderful lesson in this. My daughter wanted her next birthday party at the ranch, so she went to the person who owned the ranch to make it happen. Jesus tells us to ask the Father in His name and it will be given to us. I’m not talking about asking for the winning lottery numbers or a new sportscar. I’m talking about asking for wisdom. Strength. Peace. Supplying a true need. Forgiveness. Salvation. I’m talking about the ultimate Owner who wants these things to happen in your life.
Go ahead. Ask. He’s waiting.
