I struggled with writing this blog. I in no way want to bring attention to our family , but by not writing it, I felt that I was not giving God the proper glory. When Noah was just about to turn two we found out that the grandson of a friend of my husbands was just diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
His name was Noah (I) and he was 18 months old at the time. It broke our hearts, perhaps it was the age and name, but it really hurt our hearts. His mom a teacher and single parent was caring for her boy and we felt the Lord impress upon our hearts to help them out.
As we planned his party we felt the Lord telling us that instead of our friends and family bring our Asher gifts that we ask that the gifts be brought to the other Noah instead. Then immediately, thoughts of doubt flooded our minds, what if our family and friends didn't want too buy for someone they didn't know. Will they think that we are "neglecting" our child… and the thoughts kept coming.
I remember sitting on my chair in my sons room watching him play. Thinking of Noah's mom, who was probably sitting in a chair watching her boy, only it was in a hospital and her son was laying in a bed. Then Lord reminded me that it didn't matter, that it was between them and Him. We just needed to be obedient! I also remember talking to a friend who said " its OK Noah is to young to know or remember it". Not sure if this was her way of encouraging me, but for some reason almost five years later I was reminded of that.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were trying to figure out what we were going to do for the boys birthday. A dreaded conversation, because my plans and our budget generally does not go together like peanut butter and jelly! Often times I can resort to my inner toddler and draw up a good tantrum when my husband tries to reel me in on what we can actually afford. Bless his heart that he still loves me after all these years and usually makes it happen.
Anyways, we tossed the idea of the parties together, because their birthdays are only two weeks apart, I heard that voice again. You know that voice , that usually calls you to do something that you have to completely step out on faith on…
"Um honey, what if we give the boys a party and instead of the boys getting gifts, we give them to another little boy who is sick?"
"who?"
" I don't know, we can do the sandlot party because, Noah wants to play baseball with his friends and we pray on who to give the gifts to."
As quickly as I said it, was as quickly as he agreed. We sat the kids down and explained to them that we were having a party only they would not be getting gifts. I didn't have an answer, other than the Lord would provide the child whom would receive the blessing, when they asked who would get the gifts.
Noah looked at me and immediately those thoughts again flooded my mind. Its OK for us, but is it fair to ask our friends and family? Will our children hold it against us remembering the birthday that mommy and daddy gave away all their gifts? And then we had one of those moments that was ordained by the lord. When we explained to them that on their actual birthday we would take them to get one toy, their faces lit up.
"One toy mommy? Anything I want? Noah's screamed…. And his smile could not be contained. He was content in just that one special toy. So now, who Lord? I'll spare the details for the sake of this blog being super long, but the Lord allowed us to be in contact with the aunt of a little boy victor. The Sunday before I was to send out the invites , I received a text from a friend that this little boy just got diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. He is seven years old and his and birthday was also in November. This was an answer to prayer because we wanted someone who was close to the boys age.
I remember driving and I was thinking. Lord I get the vision that you gave us for this party, but what if the others don't get it. What if they think we are terrible parents to ask this type of understanding for our children at their age. What if our community feels obligated to get this little boy something, but really are not OK with it… and then the thoughts went on and on…. Then I heard the voice of the Lord say.. " A friend loves at all times."
You see I realized that day although, we were taking the earthly gifts, we were giving our kids the best gift, and that was the gift on how to be a good friend. How to love others and share the blessing, how to be selfless. Also teaching them that although some people will never understand the things God calls us to do it doesn't matter because we need to be obedient. And that is not for us to worry about, that is between them and the Lord. This is something that we could never teach them with words, but it had to be displayed through action.
The Lord totally orchestrated this party perfect, He provided through family and friends what was needed and the desires of my heart for this party. He knew who exactly who would be there and I know that before we had even had a thought about a party, He knew it was for Victor.
At one point of the party I glanced over to the baseball field where all the kids were playing and I had a emotional moment. There running the bases were both Noah's.. Five years later and by the grace of God we were able to celebrate life with our boys and the very little boy that we had been praying for since he was 18 months. A friendship that would have never been birthed unless we were called to be his friend. And it has been a blessing to watch this little boy grow.
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Noah Squared
We had a blast at the sandlot… On our drive home, barely able to stay awake, I looked over at the boys… "Did you have fun?"
"It was the best birthday ever mommy, we had so much fun playing baseball with our friends.. It was just what I wanted"
Pre game warm up.. Benny the "Jet" (Noah) leading the pack
I smile and reminded them "A friend loves at all times" remember that boys, remember your fun at the sandlot today, but also remember that when its time to give those gifts to victor."
That night I got all the gifts together, the cards and money and got it ready for Sunday delivery. The next morning the kids woke up to see the basket filled with Lego's and other goodies. I waited for the meltdown of my newly turned four year old, but you know what it never happened. They delighted in the stuff and were excited that Victor got some cool Lego sets. My heart leaped, my faith was strengthened and at that moment I trust the Lord a little more.
That night we received a text from Victors aunt. She attached a picture of Victor who now sat on his bed with a bald head and a small smile. He was blessed that someone one who didn't even know him would shower him with gifts. Oh Victor, we don't know you buddy, but Jesus does.... We sat the boys down and we showed them the picture of Victor and they wondered where his hair went. We explained to them how sick Victor was and that we needed to continue to pray. Noah asked if he could and I can't remember it all, but he closed with "please watch over our friend victor."
And in that moment, the Lord gave our kids their birthday gift, the gift of what it looks like to be a friend. You see we are only on this earth a short time in relation to eternity. Chances are the gifts that our boys (although grateful) would have gotten would have been enjoyed for a few weeks, then would have ended up in the closet. It is our hope that as soon as Victor is well, one day he will circle the bases with our boys and a friendship is built. That perhaps Victor will know that the greatest friend we could ever have is Jesus. The one person who could have only placed the desire for a donated birthday in the heart of a single income family.
To all of our family and friends who made it out.. Thank you, thank you for your time and generosity, we hope you all had a blast. Here is part of the text that Victors aunt sent us:
"It is amazing to see God's hand at work. You have reminded us and that our precious Victor is in our
Lords hand and He will get us through. God Bless all of you and please let everyone that participated and
and praying for him know that Victor and his family are extremely grateful. "
We could not have been able to do this with all you guys.. We love you!
And for those of you that have made it through this totally long blog here is what I learned....
-God will spare no resources to reach the one
-When the Lord places a vision in your heart or calls you to do something generally it requires you to step out in faith.
-It doesn't matter how foolish or what others will think, it requires faith to be set apart.
-All He requires is for you to be obedient.
-He will provide all the details and everything you need.
-Don't do it alone, ask help from your community.
-The best lessons are taught not told!
Please remember Victor in your prayers as he continues to fight this battle and remember that a friend loves at all times, be a friend even if means giving up something to do it. All Glory to God that He would allow us to be a small part in a big plan for this little guys life. Its always a privilege and Honor to serve Him..
Some of my favorite pictures from the day....
My Parents with the boys
Squints
The Sandlot Gang
Benny the Jet (Noah)
Scotty "Smalls" (Caleb)
No party is complete without cookies or cupcakes from Little Miss Cupcake and Company.. You can check out her goodies here
Thank you Mom for your generosity, to much to list., Thank you Melissa Runcie for the awesome print the kids got to remind them of a true friend, thank you Grandma Rozanne for the baseball gear, and the donuts! Thank you Auntie Nicely for the Cookies they were "Epic", thank you Auntie Patricia for your servant heart to help with the set up....
To my little family,
Daddy and Boys, I am so proud of you and your heart of service and love.. I am blessed and loved more than I could ever imagine and you make me better. I am proud of you! I love you forever, like you for always as long as I am living my babies youll be!!!!!
To Victor and Family....
We are praying for you and hope one day to meet you all. Please know that the Lord has great plans for you and your little boy, His hand is already on Him.. It is only through His love that we would be humbled enough to be used by the Lord. Thank you for allowing us too!
xoxoxox
Moni
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