Mark 7:36Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.
Can you keep a secret? It isn't easy. Especially, when the news is so good, you want to shout it from the rooftops.
And, it is so true that when we are told not to tell, the urge to do so becomes overwhelming. Almost impossible to contain.
My husband, Danny, is wonderful about keeping secrets in the form of surprises for me. On special occasions, such as our anniversary or my birthday, he won't divulge which restaurant he has selected for the celebration. Wow, does this keep me guessing!
Or, he throws mystery into the mix.
Like the Valentine's Day when I assume we are going to a restaurant, but end up at a couples' cooking class where we help with and share in a romantic meal. Or, my last birthday, when he hands me driving directions which will lead me to my birthday destination. Lucky me! I follow his instructions and wind up at an elegant spa where I enjoy a hot rock massage!
But, there is one birthday when Danny simply can't keep a lid on his secret. It's as if voices in his head are screaming, "Don't tell! Don't tell!" The more he hears them, the less he can control the temptation to tip his hand.
"Okay, Martha," he says, "I give up. I know it's two weeks before your birthday, but I can't take the suspense anymore. Would mind if I gave you your gift right now? I'm dying to show it to you!"
This is so out of character for the King of Surprises, I am momentarily taken aback.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" I ask.
"Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Oh, no, it's fine. I can tell how important this is to you. Sure, why not celebrate early?"
Danny is beside himself with glee.
He tells me to sit down in the living room and close my eyes as the gift isn't wrapped.
What could he have possibly bought that was too big or bulky to be wrapped?
My thoughts whirl with ideas.
But, I never come close to guessing . . .
"Okay, you can open your eyes!"
Now, it's my turn to be beside myself. I'm so amazed, so delighted, so touched, words elude me.
The gift? A new guitar! An instrument I have not played in years because I did not have a decent one.
I can hardly believe it . . .
My eyes brim with tears.
"Do you like it?" Danny asks.
"Like it? No, I love it!" I exclaim. "And, I love you!"
~
How difficult is it for you to keep a secret?
Will you pray with me?
We are so grateful, Father, that no secrets can be kept from You. All that is in our hearts and minds, You already know, and, yet, You love us anyway. Let us not keep secret the fact that we are Christians, but the shout the news with joy from the rooftops! Amen.
Readings
Psalms 63:1-8 (9-11), 98 or 103
Genesis 13:2-18
Galatians 2:1-19
Mark 7:31-37
This is so beautiful Martha:D I could keep a secret but if it'll help the person that the truth be revealed now, then I will.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your husband's surprises :) I sure love how he makes you happy :) Ooo, this is the third time I heard of guitar ~ there must be something in store for me too LOL...He keeps on whispering it.
I pray with you.
Thank you for coming by, Melissa!
DeleteYou know what they say - third time's the charm. Maybe, there is a guitar in your future? :)
And, yes, he does make me happy; I am blessed beyond measure . . .
Blessings to you!
This was such a great post. Sometimes it is an intimidating thought that everything we think and do God knows...there is nothing that He doesn't. But then I am reminded of His great grace and love...and that helps.
ReplyDeleteYour husband is so sweet...I think he needs to talk to my husband lol...give him some ideas! ;) I would love a hot rock massage!...I love reading about you and your husband's experiences...you have a blessed marriage indeed.
Hi, Jessica, and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteIt can be intimidating to think God knows all and, years ago, this would bother me; not now, though. I'm glad He knows me so well!
Yes, Danny is a sweetie! Just drop hints a couple of weeks before your birthday about the massage; I'll bet he'll come through!
Blessings!
Martha, You are a lucky lady to have such a caring and devoted husband, god bless. I loved reading about the fun things he does for you.Great post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sulekkha, and thanks for coming by!
DeleteYes, I am most fortunate to have Danny in my life. Glad you enjoy reading about the fun things he does; life is never without surprises!
Blessings to you!
Wow, Martha! What a wonderful gift! I am not good at keeping surprises..LOL! You have a very sweet husband :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today, Nelieta!
DeleteYes, it was a super gift from a super sweet man! :)
The only reason I can ever keep a surprise is because I love being surprised. I admit, though, it's hard to keep one to myself . . .
Blessings to you!
I sincerely hope and pray that u and Danny always share this close bond of love and friendship...not many are blessed with it.
ReplyDeleteDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ok now...I'm blushing, but keep going.
ReplyDeleteDanny, you deserve all the kudos! :)
DeleteLove you!
First of all I would like to wish you and Danny all the happiness and love in the world,hope and pray that it continues to blossom each day..Very few are fortunate to have found such companionship.
ReplyDeleteThere is no point in keeping secrets from God,On that day when, according to the gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Very thought provoking as usual.
Hi, Alpana, glad to see you finally got through!
DeleteThanks for your beautiful wishes for Danny and me. We do count ourselves most fortunate to have one another, believe me.
And, you are so right about the futility of keeping secrets from God. We only fool ourselves, for He knows everything already. How naive we can be sometimes . . .
Blessings to you and thanks again for your persistence in leaving your wonderful comment!
WOW how sweet Danny is.....the secrets thing is bittersweet for me..as I was threatened to keep my secrets......to this day I can keep everything quiet unless I am being persistently prodded.....sometimes when the secret is eating me inside out I am comforted that God knows without me having to say a word....As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bonnie, for dropping in!
DeleteOh, how I feel your struggle with painful secrets in your life . . . You have such courage!
And, yes, it is so comforting to know we don't need to utter a word to God, for He knows and He cares.
I'll make sure Danny sees your kind words about him. :)
Blessings to you!
Such a wonderful man you have been blessed with. Secrets are a double edged sword in my experience. Learning to discern which to keep and which to spout became a life long lesson. This is a wonderful story, Thank you or sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by today, Jan!
DeleteYes, I am so blessed to have Danny in my life; I never take him or our relationship for granted . . .
I do like your description of secrets as being double-edged sword. Long, long ago, I learned that powerful and painful lesson when I divulged a secret that really upset a dear friend. Oh, how bad I felt!
Glad you liked today's post.
Blessings to you!
Martha, oh so sweet!
ReplyDeleteYou and Danny...a marriage made in heaven.
Hi, Debra! Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the post and, yes, Danny and I are so blessed and so thankful for our relationship.
Blessings to you! :)
Martha, two things I loved about the story. One, that your husband is so head strong that he can keep a secret. Two, your LOVE for each other sounds so amazing!! Careful planning shows you listen and that you know your partner. Amen to that...
ReplyDeleteHi, Cathy, and thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteI so appreciate your observations here. Danny and I feel most fortunate to have each other. God really had a hand in this, I can assure you! :)
Blessings to you!