Erev Shabbat settled with peace… the kind that radiates from deep within… the kind that bubbles up with hope and contentment–regardless of life’s circumstances or situation.

More than the soft glow of candles lit the room, an incandescent illumination radiated from the hearts of the family and friends gathered at the table. The evening shone with expectation.

I glanced around the room… such happy faces… funny stories… appropriate toasts to and about the lady in honor–the birthday girl–Elisabeth! And the tears flowed… from grandpa and grandma, mom and dad, sisters, friends, neighbors, cousins… so why all the tears at a birthday party?

Commitment and love run deep. John, the beloved disciple, wrote the world will know we are believers by our love for each other. And we can’t express our love of God without pouring out love for His Bride. We are sharing our journey with each other. God is doing such a deep work in our hearts connecting us to His Spirit and the hopes and dreams of each other… in a gathering like this, the tears flow… recalling the past, joying in the moment, and leaning into the future… 

Also, the tears come from a sweet brokenness before God and man. Together we are losing our lives and finding new life. We are struggling together to gain eternity. Our lives are open books before Him–all the dealings and victories are intertwined in our passage from earth to heaven. The journey is so dear and precious and a treasure to share. It just makes us cry.

As we wiped the tears from our eyes story after story, prayer after prayer, I saw the Holy Spirit on Elisabeth in a new way. It is clear that she is a mighty young woman of God… emerging equal to the call and destiny that He has planned from the foundation of the world.

“Mother of Israel… ”

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness on the horizon. Those who lead many people to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Happy Birthday, Missy, happy birthday! I just get goose bumps thinking about all the wonderful days God has written for you and about you in His book of Life…