“You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14

 

Our baby- the youngest of 7- blew out 16 candles last month!  what?  Yep- Bethany is Sweet 16…..

 

In March, I’d thrown a big dance party for my Dad’s 90th birthday and Bethany was enraptured.

 

“Wow, Mom.  I want a dance party and get all dressed up. I love it, Mom!!!v Someday will you give me a dance?”

 

Sweet 16 seems like a perfect age to throw a little dance party- but for one thing…….

 

Who to invite?

 

Sure, Bethany has friends her age but it’s summer time and I didn’t know how to get hold of more than a few of her girl friends. And though she has school friends, very few are close friends. A fancy dance wouldn’t be exciting with 5 or 6 girl friends and family.

 

The more I thought about it, I realized Bethany’s “friends” are really – well-  everyone she meets.

 

Everyone: from infant to elder; Bethany sees people as her friend.  I’m not sure she thinks in terms of peer groups- just people to love on.

 

That made my dilemma easy- I began to plan a Surprise Sweet 16. I invited her best friends, our church family, her Dazzler dance teachers and team, and some of her teachers and para educators that have invested so much in her life.

 

We decided on the theme (because every celebration needs a theme 😉 )

 

 

I planned, invited, made and bought decorations, ordered cakes, balloons, and snack foods- and then we left for vacation (which is definitely another story). We arrived back home the day before her party.

 

But on vacation, I began to stress.  “What have I done? What was I thinking? How in the world was a birthday party going to work with babies, teenagers and “olders” and  “golden” adults???

 

But my worst nightmare was that hardly anyone would show up.

 

OK.  Too late. Already planned it, rented the community building, and got the DJ. It’s a Surprise Party – she won’t know who was invited—– only I will know how many people didn’t come.

 

Moriah and Jonny took her out for a “fancy” dinner (thus everyone was dressed up) and told Bethany they’d go back home for the family celebration after dinner.  Instead- they ended up down town.    She didn’t suspect a thing! She ran from the room when we yelled “Surprise”. I ran after her not knowing what to think. She was literally shaking and laughing at the same time- She looked at Moriah and I and said, “Wait! Is this what you call a Surprise Party? Is it really for me?”

 

So why do I  worry and obsess about “life”????

 

[Tweet “Give all your #worries and #anxieties to God, for He cares about you. #peace IPeter5:7”]

 

 

Celebration- not anxiety. Love- not loneliness. Blessing- not worries. These are the essence of life. I know our Father God wants everyone to experience. What if I lived life shining these “gifts” into the lives of others?  Whether it’s my family, framily, friends, church, or community- I need to be lit by God’s love so I can shine love and encouragement to all He brings my way.

 

[Tweet “Leave the #sparkle of God’s #love everywhere you go. #sparkle”]

 

On the other side of the door, waiting for Bethany to arrive so we could yell “Surprise” with whispers and smiles- almost 200!!! precious family members and friends had gathered to  light up her night.

 

I was in shock.

 

That people would support Bethany in this way.  That they would take time out of their busy lives- that they would bring more sparkle into her life by showering her with love and friendship, kindness and confirmation of worth.

 

 

I was overwhelmed and humbled by the pure love that sparkled our world- her world- that night.

 

[Tweet “Let your #light #shine- chase darkness with your #sparkle.”]

 

For I know this; Bethany does leave a little sparkle every where she goes. But as I looked around the room that night, the light was blinding.

 

Because you see, LOVE-  is the best sparkle of all.

 

 

Surprising Treasure: No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  Matthew 5:15, 16

This little light of mine- I’m gonna let it shine- let it shine- let it shine- let it shine!

 

 

Christian family, down syndrome, God of Grace, special needs parenting