This Is The Day

Today is Daniel's birthday. That's right. He was born on Halloween.

The day before Daniel was born, I remember anxiously going to an appointment for a pregnancy check-up. My due date was the next day, October 31st, and I had been praying to God for weeks that I wouldn't go into labour on that day. My doctor eased my worries by informing me that I showed no signs of going into labour any time soon. I was relieved. Who wants their child born on Halloween? I was concerned that my child would grow up being called "witch", or "warlock", or other evil names connected with Halloween.

However, my doctor's predications were wrong. The evening of the 30th, I went into labour.  It was right after supper, so I felt I still had time to pray and I did! I prayed earnestly all the way to the hospital that my child would be born before midnight.

Unfortunately my labour was long and complicated. Daniel was face up instead of face down. He wouldn't turn and all my labour pains were in my back. Eventually a specialist was called in and Daniel was delivered by forceps the next morning — October 31st.

When I held Daniel for the first time, the first thing I noticed was his red hair. I was thrilled! But then I became worried that he would be called "pumpkin head". Name calling can be so cruel and can scar children for life.

Miraculously my fear did not come to pass. There was never a time my son Daniel was called any names or bullied in school. He always had friends and was highly respected for his intelligence and talents. God answered my prayers, but not in the way I expected.

I learned from that experience that every day is God's day and we should rejoice in it! October 31st is a special day as it was the day my first child was born and God taught me a valuable lesson.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

Recently, my son's prayer has also been answered. It has been a year since he has obtained his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and for a year he has been working at a temporary job. However, just recently, Daniel was hired by the company he has been eagerly hoping and praying to work for. He starts in a week. This is his birthday present from God!

God has a plan for each of us and His timing is perfect!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'

declares the Lord,

'plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Jeremiah 29:11

Here is a picture of Daniel in our dining room, getting ready to play a board game with me and his brothers. Daniel loves board games and he is hard to beat! And I hate to lose!