Keller: Celebrating birthdays and God’s many gifts

Published 12:03 am Wednesday, April 15, 2015

My oldest grandson Geoffrey celebrated his 30th birthday a couple of weeks ago.

Ronny, Geoffrey’s mother enjoys entertaining and a birthday celebration is special to her. Her husband Michael, on the other hand, goes along with the flow.

Geoffrey’s sisters Monique, Lauren, Elise and Victoria were seated at the table with Geoffrey’s wife Ashley, Monique’s husband Frank and their two daughters Olivia and Charlie and Lauren’s daughter Addi.

Everyone was enjoying the conversation when all of a sudden Addi wanted to take a bath. When she didn’t get her way she started to cry.

The loud crying went on for at least 20 minutes.

The disturbance didn’t prevent us from singing “Happy Birthday” and eating cake and ice cream. In fact, I can never recall a situation that ever stopped us from enjoying desserts.

As Addi’s crying got a little weaker, I said, “I don’t ever remember my children crying that loud and that long.”

Without hesitation Elise said, “Paw-Paw, maybe you were drunk!”

Everyone laughed, including me.  My wife Jeanne wasn’t there, but I’m sure she would have had an interesting comment.

Elise is 23 years old. I’ve been sober for 41 years, which is 18 years before Elise was born.

The Bible says the Truth will set you free, but that doesn’t mean your old reputation will be forgotten.

Reflecting on those days, I realize that Geoffrey’s birthday celebration was a chance for the family to be grateful for what God did in my life.

As we ended the evening, we all enjoyed the birthday celebration and the fact that Addi finally quit crying.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.