Double-Graced on August 28th

Ever since I can remember I loved seeing how people would react when I told them that my parents share the same birth date, August 28th. I thought it was cool when I was a 1st grader, and I still think it is cool today. After all, if they two are one flesh, why shouldn’t they two be allowed to share the same birth date? One flesh, one birthday. One flesh, one cake. One flesh, one celebration. It all seems so appropriate…and it’s very cool! Did I already say that?

As I reflected recently upon how unusual it is for a husband and wife to share the same birthday, I found myself giving God thanks for the double-grace I received on August 28th when my parents were born. It is the grace of God that I have the parents that I have. It is the grace of God that my parents were redeemed “not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). It is the grace of God that I was brought up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). It is the grace of God that I had parents who were not too proud to ask for their children's forgiveness when they recognized that they had sinned against us. It is the grace of God that their lives continue to give me occasion to taste and see afresh that the Lord indeed is good (Psalm 34:8). Truly, I was double-graced on August 28th. I love you!