Day 25—Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Isaiah 61:7

“Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.”

I was an elementary classroom teacher for thirty years. About ten years ago, a new fifth grader moved to my school, and was placed in my classroom, in early December. He had led a much-troubled childhood, moving frequently between cities, changing schools at least once in every grade, and living with various family members and friends as his mother looked for long-term employment. He made himself at home in his new school and got to know other students quickly. He was good at this, as he’d done it many times before.

His birthday came about a month after he arrived and, as students arrived that morning, I waited in the third-floor hallway for him to appear. Just on time, he rounded the corner at the top of the steps, and I exclaimed “Happy Birthday!” He stopped in his tracks with a confused look on his face. He put his hand on his chin and turned his head to the side, thinking. After a few seconds, he shook his head and replied, “Today’s not my birthday.”

I responded “Today is January 14th. Today is your eleventh birthday!” He listened, thought some more, and then broke out in a broad smile. “Wait. Today is my birthday!” he exclaimed. “I’m eleven years old!” He unpacked his book bag, readied his materials for the morning, and skipped into our classroom.

This was among the most heartbreaking moments of my teaching career. Imagine being an eleven-year-old boy, managing a difficult world, with not a single person in your life saying “You’ve got a birthday coming up” or “Next week you turn eleven,” to say nothing of anyone asking, “What would you like for your birthday?” or “What kind of cake can we make for you?” There was good news in this young boy's life...and he didn’t even know.

We don’t have to go through life not realizing God's good news. God offers to remind us - through scripture, through worship, and through community with others - of God’s love. But we often fail to remind ourselves, and one another, of the ever-present gift of God’s grace. We don’t even know it’s our birthday.

I’d like to become better at remembering myself - and reminding others - of the gift of God’s salvation. It’s already there, fully and truly, simply waiting on us to know. As we round the corners of life, may we realize the good news that is already there, just waiting to be remembered.

Prayer: God, this is the day that YOU hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Amen.

-Wade Whitehead