Divine's Day!

Yesterday was my wife's birthday. We agreed to just stay in the house and be with our kids, spending intimate time together. (Except for my Ministry Partner Development appointment inserted in my schedule after lunch). One of Divine's disciples visited us and brought a chocolate cake to fellowship with, in the late afternoon. I also dropped by the side-street talipapa and bought talakitok fish for grilling & sinigang. Preparing this food was my way of serving my wife on her special day. It's our simple & special celebration, thanking the Lord for His faithfulness in her life and to us, her family.

My prayer for her birthday was along with this passage:

Proverbs 3: "1 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you.
3 Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights."

A day prior to her birthday, we ate outside as a family. After our lunch together, we left our kids in the play area with our house help to oversee them. Divine and I had our time together window shopping, massage & anything-we-want-to-do the whole afternoon, just being with one another.

Two of our couple friends dined with us in our house and savored the desserts prepared by a couple next door. We had deep conversations. We're thankful to God for a rich relationships with friends like them.

After all, I would say, it's about  cultivating trusting relationships that matters the most in this life. Foremost is our relationship with Jesus, next with our spouse (family) and then friends. That's why He commanded us... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." -Luke 10:27

How are we intentionally creating this environment of growing relationships?