They Got Me - Reflections Turning 45

I like to think I'm a pretty simple guy. I like what a like, I'm learning to be content, and I strive to put my family first. It's how I was raised; family comes first. My parents modeled it for year, raising four of us through some really good years and through some really tough years. Those lessons were imparted on me, and as a father of 5, my wife and kids always come first.

Yesterday I turned 45. 45 years old. I'm okay with it. The beard is getting grayer, I am sore in place that I'm not used to being sore, and I don't bounce back from student retreats the way I used to. I don't think of my self as old, just older. And, I'm okay with that.

However, turning 45 is a huge milestone. I mean, the big 5-0 is only five years away. And with that comes all sorts of things I don't really want to think about right now.

Along with being a simple man, I'm not one to show a lot of emotion, especially when it comes to gift receiving. While I often take great delight in the giving of gifts, let's just say, gifts are not high on my love language list. That being said, I now believe that my family is on a mission to absolutely "WOW" me in the gift giving area. Over the last couple of years, I have begun to sensed some scheming between Amy and the kid (though I think it's mostly the kids) to try to get me a gift that brings about an emotional response.

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I have begun to sensed some scheming between Amy and the kid
(though I think it's mostly the kids) to try to get me a
​gift that brings about an emotional response.

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At this point let me clarify something. I am super appreciative when my family honors me with gifts. I do enjoy them. However, I'm know to show little emotion when opening gifts. For examples, visit our family vlog and look up some of our Christmas vlogs and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Well, this year they got me. 

A number of days before my birthday, Amy had started asking me what I wanted to do on my birthday.  Our family traditions include a special birthday dinner menu (chosen by the birthday boy or girl), a small selection of gifts, no chores for the day, and the privilege and choosing what we do as a family; i.e. watch a movie, play a game, etc. I told Amy that I was okay just taking the day to relax. I really didn't feel like going out, nor did I want a big fancy dinner. As for gifts, well, I was okay. I didn't really want or need anything (at least nothing that wasn't way out of our price range.) And quite frankly, things have been tight lately due to some unexpected expenses, so the thought of spending money to celebrate a birthday was a bit much.

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I was almost in tears by the time dinner arrived.

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The big day came, and while I thought I would have a pretty low key day, I was almost in tears by the time dinner arrived. In a nutshell, after taking care of some errands, Amy and I spent most of the day together. We had lunch together at one of our new, favorite Chinese Restaurant in our area. Afterwards, we made our way to Hobby Lobby (a dangerous place to go to) to browse and dream, TJ Maxx because Amy loves TJ Maxx, then we picked up the kids after school.

Now at this point, we still had no plans for dinner. We did have options, Hot Dogs and Mac & Cheese (yes, I still love hot dogs and Mac & Cheese) or Applebee's for their happy hour, half-price appetizers (we had a gift card from Christmas). It was a tough choice. But after picking up the kids, I decided to go to Applebee's, mostly because I didn't Amy or the kids to have to make and clean a mess in the kitchen.

We arrived at the restaurant, placed our order, and the kids put a gift bag on the table.

Okay, this should have been warning number one. Each one had a look like something was about to happen. Warning two came was when the cell phones came out. Warning three was the huge smile on Amy's face. Proof that the kids had been scheming together.

In the bag was a long narrow box wrapped with wrapping paper. As I opened the wrapping paper, I notice a familiar sight. You see, I am a huge Apple-guy. Love all things Apple. But my first thought jumped to, 'Oh my gosh, they bought me a new Apple pen. Cool. Problem though, I don't have a newer iPad that's compatible with the pen.' But as I pulled the paper back, I discovered it wasn't a pen. It was an iWatch.

My kids got together, pooled their moneys, and gave me an iWatch.

To say I was touched is an understatement. It took everything in me to not loose it and all-out-bawl at the table. What an amazing gift? Not just because it was an iWatch, but the reason for the gift. They said they gave me the iWatch because they knew I would never buy one for myself, that I was always putting them first and making sure they had what they needed.

I am NOT a rich man. I am a youth pastor. We don't make money. At best, we get by. But in that moment I have never felt richer or more blessed. They got me. And I am thrilled.

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Turning another year older will cause you to reflect and think about your life, healthy, financial security, relationships, dreams and goals.

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Turning another year older will cause you to reflect and think about your life, healthy, financial security, relationships, dreams and goals. As father, you spend time thinking about your family, making sure they have what the need and want. You worry about their health, safety, and futures. But right now, I just thinking about how thankful I am.

God has blessed me with an amazing wife of 23 years. Our relationship has grown and matured. With each year, our marriage gets better as we work hard at our communication, intimacy, and relationship.

I have 5, pretty awesome kids. Each one unique and special, talented and passionate; chasing their dreams as they chase after Jesus. As they grow, I see God working in their lives in ways I never imagined.

I have a career that I love. Almost 30 years working with students and their families.

And, I live in the continual grace of God who's love knows no end.

I'm 45. And today, I'm going to celebrate all that God has given.

And, I'm going to learn how to use my new iWatch.

- jay

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