Happy Birthday, Wisdom!

Story #3

The night before her birthday, Wisdom could hardly sleep; she was too excited about her birthday party. “I can’t wait ‘til tomorrow, it’s my birthday!” She joyfully told Mr. Floppy her toy rabbit. “I’m gonna get cake and ice cream and all kinds of toys!” She continued telling her toys. Suddenly in walks Mommy, “Wisdom, sweetie, it’s past your bedtime. You have to goto bed now.” “I can’t mommy, I’m too excited!” “I know you are, but sweetie you need your rest. Please, try to get some sleep, for me?” “Ok, but I can’t promise anything.” “Should we say our prayers again?” Asked Mommy. “Nope, I’m, pretty sure God remembers we said them already.” “Well Alright, get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight Wisdom, I love you, you know?” “I know. I love you too, mommy. Night-night.” And with that Mommy turns off the light and leaves softly closing the door behind her. In bed Wisdom laid, but couldn’t sleep. She tried closing her eyes as tight as she could, but that didn’t work. She tried pulling the covers over her head, that didn’t work either. She even tried counting sheep, but she could only count to the number ten. Suddenly we hear the voice of God calling, “Wisdom my love, why can’t you sleep?” “Hi, God!” “Hello, Wisdom. Why aren’t you asleep, my child?” “Oh God, I’m too excited! Do you know what tomorrow is?” “But of course I do, it’s your birthday!” “Yeah! And I can’t sleep! I keep thinking about all those toys and cake and ice cream!” “Is that all you’re thinking about is the toys, cake and ice cream?” “Huh? Well, yes, ‘cause that’s what you get on your birthday, right?” “There’s so much more to birthday’s than that, Wisdom.” “Huh?” “Yes, just listen; do your remember the story of me sending my son, Jesus down to save the world?” “Yes! That’s my favorite! Jesus, died so I could live!” “That’s right! And do you know that Jesus has a birthday?” “Yeah, it’s Christmas!” “Your right again! Well, Jesus wouldn’t want people thinking that birthdays are all about ‘receiving’--no, it’s about ‘giving’.” “Well, if someone ‘gives’ me something, isn’t that ‘receiving’?” “Yes, but the true gift is in the ‘giving’.” “God, I don’t understand.” “Wasn’t it a blessing that Jesus ‘gave’ his life so that world may live?” “Oh yes, Lord!” “Of course it was! See Wisdom, it is always better to ‘give’ than to ‘receive’, understand?” “Oh yeah, I get it now!” “Good.” “Grandma was so happy when I ‘gave’ her those flowers!” “She sure was.” “And Uncle John was so excited when I ‘gave’ him the picture of a lady-bug I drew!” “Now you’ve got it!” “And God, I’m thankful that you ‘gave’ me another day to live. And I’m thankful that you ‘gave’ me a such a great mommy!” “Yes! I do believe you’ve got it! But, I think you should get to bed now, like your mother said.” “Ok God, goodnight.” “Goodnight, Wisdom.” So Wisdom fell right to sleep. The next morning while everyone downstairs was preparing for the birthday party, Wisdom remained closed up in her room. “Wisdom, are you coming out?” Asked Mommy from behind the closed door. “I’m coming. Just give me one more second mommy, please!” “Well ok, but we’re about ready to start--and we can’t rightly start without the guest of honor.” So Mommy headed back downstairs. Meanwhile downstairs guests are arriving piling gifts upon gifts. “Wisdom, you’re being rude, now! Your guest are waiting for you.” Calls Mommy from downstairs. “I’m coming, mommy!” Shouts Wisdom rushing down the stairs. As Wisdom reaches the archway the guest start singing ‘Happy Birthday’. All the while Wisdom’s holding a large box not so neatly wrapped in newspaper. Once the singing ended Wisdom wanted to make an announcement. “Thank you everybody for coming and bring all those gifts. But I’ve decided it’s better to ‘give’ than to ‘receive’--God, said that didn’t he, mommy?” “Yes he did, sweet-heart.” “Mommy, I’ve decided to give you a gift on my birthday.” And Wisdom handed the box to Mommy. Mommy couldn’t stop staring at the paper. “What is it, Wisdom?” “Open it and see!” “Alright.” So Mommy neatly unwrapped the box and stared into it. “Ahh, sweetie, there’s nothing in here.” “Yes it is, mommy! I filled every inch with kisses just for you!” As she fought back tears she swapped Wisdom up into her arms and hugged her as tight as she could and said, “Thank you, baby! That’s the best ‘gift’ anyone could ever receive!” And so they ate cake and ice cream while Wisdom opened her gifts ending the day as God would have it...giving, not just receiving. The End.