Birthday Blessings

Some years back, I received requests from my daughters for very specific birthday presents. One wanted Winnie the Pooh sheets for her bed. The other requested a pink bicycle with a basket (flowers must be on the basket). Simple requests, complicated by the fact that I was experiencing a serious financial crisis resulting from a period of unemployment. My fear and sadness were that I would have to let them down.

One Saturday morning at 5 a.m., a few Good Shepherd members and I met at the church for fellowship and fishing. The trip was postponed because of weather conditions. As we were leaving the parking lot, my car lights turned on to items left outside the church for the rummage sale scheduled for that same day. Easing forward, I could see a small bicycle hidden behind all the others. I walked over to investigate and found a pink bicycle with a basket and flowers! I returned home for a brief nap then back to the church to purchase the bike. When I arrived, only two bicycles remained. One was pink with a basket.

I wandered inside to browse. Over in a corner were children’s clothes and linens. My eye caught Roo’s head peeking out from under a pile of blankets. I lifted the pile and found not one, but two sets of Winnie the Pooh sheets that would fit my daughter’s bed. Small wishes fulfilled for $5.50.

Each Sunday morning when the children have their sermon with Rev. Noland, we witness the simplicity of unconditional trust in God. Their belief is pure. As we grow older, we tend to become skeptical. Our trust in others and in God dwindles. A pink bicycle and Pooh sheets are simple reminders that we can know peace by trusting God for our needs.