It was my birthday and I had hoped and planned to go out to eat at the new Italian restaurant in town that evening with my husband. I thought about it all day long….. and my taste buds were set for pasta! It was my birthday so I just knew my husband would go along with my wish for our dinner that evening.

Just as I had hoped, my husband announced that he was taking me out for dinner! But to my disappointment,

he didn’t ask me where I wanted to go. Instead, he began to tell me his plan for my birthday and that he wanted to take me to a fancy steak house. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love eating steak but it wasn’t what I had in mind.

I was a little frustrated that he wasn’t letting me pick the place to eat. I wanted to say, No… it’s my birthday and I’m hungry for Italian food and I’ve looked forward to this all day. I had not dressed for a fancy place and wasn’t prepared for this choice. After my husband kept driving toward the steak house, I surrendered my desires and decided to go along with his plan even though I didn’t understand. After all, he was the one paying for this date.

When we arrived I realized there had already been a reservation made for us and the table had been personalized with candles, gifts, balloons and a banner with my name on it. I couldn’t believe that someone had planned all these extra birthday gifts for me. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness. I felt so unworthy of this kindness knowing the selfish thoughts I had almost voiced earlier.

My husband and friends had planned all of this to make my birthday special. As I opened each gift and read each card, I thought about how much love they wanted to show me through this special dinner. I’m so glad my husband directed my decision that night and that I was able to experience this unforgettable birthday. Italian food doesn’t compare to all of the blessings that were waiting for me at this place!

I’m so glad I didn’t say, “It’s my birthday, I’ll eat where I want!” Later I thought about this event and the lesson I had learned. How many times do we miss out on God’s blessings because our plans haven’t been guided by His leading but by our own selfish desires?

Realize His Desire is Better than Your Desire.

Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

Seek His Wisdom Early.

Proverbs 8:17-19 “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and Honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.”

Give Up Your Desire and Let Him Lead.

Proverbs 8:20-21 “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgement; that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”

Listen to His Desire for You.

Proverbs 8:32-33 “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.

Wait on the Lord to Show You His Plan.

Proverbs 8:34-35 "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.”

Questions: Are you missing out on some blessings?

Are there times when you are not waiting and allowing Him to lead?

By the way, inside one of the cards was $140 and instructions to pick out a new luggage set! I did not know then that the new luggage would be needed for God’s next plan for my life. I’ll have to share that blessing at a later time.