Day 22 - Happy Birthday

This day began surprisingly early. I returned from Dallas at 2:15 a.m. It's amazing what three diet sodas and a cappuccino can do. A cleansing shower (see day 4 - A Fragrant Reminder), some time to outlast my caffeine fix, and it was time for bed. I'm sure "morning" will be here too soon.

February 27th, 2006. Jacob is one year old. Let "Jake Fest" begin.
Let's see. There were blue and gold streamers and balloons. Birthday hats and decorations. Presents too numerous for a little mind to comprehend. Digital cameras and video recorders at every turn. A trip to the photography studio. And a birthday cake. Ahh, the birthday cake.

No new tradition here. It's just our turn. Put the cake in front of the honoree and let the fun begin. Jacob's first taste of sweets will obviously not be his last. He took to cake like Ali to a microphone. Anna Nicole to a camera? Mikey to Life cereal? Barry Bonds to steroi...? You get the picture. And in case you don't - I've provided one.

We had a great birthday celebration. The party started early and progressed at its own pace throughout the day. Much of what took place was for the pure pleasure of mom and dad. Jacob, however, was the undisputed center of attention.

As I look for "surprises" God may have sent my way, I think I've seen in a birthday party a veiled glimpse of what God would like from me. That each day would begin early with my attention on him. That I would allow the day to unfold at its own pace. That I would take pure pleasure in our relationship. And that he would be the undisputed center of attention in my life.