Friday. As Aldo and I
drove to drop Summer off at her friend, Jaylynn's house to spend the night, I
was hoping Summer would not notice the cars parked in front of the house. She
had already suspected her friends from church were up to something for her
birthday. We got off the truck and walked Summer to the door, where her friend’s
mom (and my friend as well), Angela, opened the door. It was suspiciously quiet
as we walked in the house, and I noticed the view to the back yard was blocked.
As Summer walked closer to the back yard sliding door where Jaylynn was waiting
to greet her, she got a glimpse of everyone waiting to surprise her. Little by
little, not only some of her church friends walked inside the house to greet
and surprise Summer, but also most of her closest friends from school,
including her brother, my son, Nate, who is increasingly becoming part of
"the group," where anxiously waiting to surprise Summer and honor her
on her 16th birthday. Tears only welled up in my eyes to see how happy Summer
was, and how we had just witnessed God's blessing on our family. As her friends
trickled in, Angela showed us the cake that was lovingly baked by another of
Summer's friends. There were streamers and balloons, food on the counter, wow!
As we made our way to the door, no sooner had we decided to leave than Summer
being pushed in the pool as a gesture of love from her friends, shoes and all.
Saturday. Aldo and I drove Summer
and Nate to the hangout house, the twins, for a day of hanging out, working
out, eating...the usual when the high-schoolers are there. To all of our
surprise, once again, Summer was surprised and showered with more love from her
friends there.
Many
times we think of God's provisions as monetary. Truth of the matter is, He
provides in many ways, using many people. For example, we had not planned on a
party for Summer this year; much has happened. But God used Jaylynn and her
family to bless our family by hosting this amazing "sleepover
(wink-wink)" party and flooded Summer with love. Then Saturday, God used
the twins to do it all over again. Oh, God never leaves us. He knows our every
need and provides for them before we ask.
16
Years Ago.
A week before I gave birth to Summer, we were at the hospital only to find that
I was experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. Being my first child, I was
paranoid. A couple of days from that hospital visit, my doctor scheduled me to
be induced in the days to follow. I was so excited that I would finally see my
baby girl, and yet I was so nervous of what was ahead of us.
I
was determined not to use any painkillers; I wanted to have a natural birth.
When the real contractions began, I was horrified to know that they would only
intensify 100 times stronger! In a moment of panic (actually, it was a moment
of about 30 seconds), I was quick to leave my "natural birth"
thoughts for a few hours of "bring it on" thoughts. I asked for painkillers!
Quickly! I was not dilated enough for the really good stuff, so I had to settle
for the stuff that knocks you out, but you still feel the horrific pain coming
and going, getting stronger and stronger. When my contractions were strong
enough and I was dilated enough for the stronger painkillers, I had to wait
because I was still under the other, weaker medication. It wasn't till I was
very close to giving birth that I was administered the strong stuff, but by
then, everything went pretty quickly.
As
soon as I gave birth to Summer, I looked at her. I was speechless. The medical
staff took her vitals, cleaned her up, wrapped her up, and then placed this
precious gift from God in my arms. I just stared at her. I couldn't even
remember how exhausted I was. I just stared.
She
was born Monday, September 7th, 1998 at 4:15 in the
Sunday, September 7th, 2014. There is no other
place to be than in God's House on Sundays. Even when there is a football game
going on. We just love to hear God's Word. He reminds us how loved we are.
Today, this particular Sunday, we are reminded of how He loves us so much, that
He entrusted us with this beautiful girl, to teach her His ways, and to raise her
in His love.
Thank
You, Lord, that you have found that tiny, miniscule capability in us that You
have lavished us with such a delicate and valuable gift, our daughter, Summer
Rain Magana. Thank You for blessing her with Your gifts, for giving her and fortifying
in her a heart that is after Your heart. Thank You for sharing her with us; we
are honored.
As
always, we give all glory and honor to God, the Mighty One.
Posts
