“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 KJV)
“Hello, Mom, Happy birthday. You don’t know how much I love you and appreciate all you do for me.” It was our son Jonathan calling to wish his mother a wonderful birthday. Soon the phone rang again. It was our daughter April with similar greetings for her mother. And even as she hung up the phone, her sister Brenda called to “sing” birthday greetings to Bobbie.
By all accounts Bobbie Smith is a very blessed lady. Her family loves her (I gave birthday greetings to her as we got out of bed at 4:30 a.m. to go take care of our grandson). Now, our grandson Grant had a little trouble getting in the spirit of G-G’s birthday. When I explained to him that it was her birthday, he promptly informed me that it was his birthday. He was three on Sept. 30, but he still competes with anyone whose birthday is mentioned in his presence. By the time he was ready for daycare, however, he had begun to sing happy birthday to G-G.
Bobbie Smith is a brilliant and beautiful lady whose spirit and attitude is contagious. Over the last forty-one years her encouragement, wisdom and solid support have formed me and my ministry. I’ve always admired her abilities and skill. She has always been quick to show gratitude. Her smile across crowded rooms have been the encouragement I needed at crucial times in my career.
Throughout my pastoral ministry, she has performed many different functions in the churches where we have served. Often she labored unnoticed without a word of thanks from those she served, but she has never complained. She always had the same words to say in every congregation, “we love you and appreciate you for all you do for us.”
I have a lot to be thankful for, beginning with the lady God placed alongside me as a life partner. She is my light and life! She is always one step ahead of me, reminding me to show proper appreciation to the congregation and those over me in the Lord, never including herself. So what do I do? Well, today is her day! I want the whole world to know that I love her and do not regret one minute of all the days we have enjoyed together.
I thank the cleaning lady at our house. I thank the Chief Operations Officer of our family. I thank my personal promoter. And I thank God for having placed her in my life. I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for because of Bobbie Smith.
Happy Birthday darling!
Dear Father, thank you for Bobbie Smith, my life partner. Empower me to be more grateful toward her and all those I work with closely. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in showing your gratitude,