Today we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. My wife, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter joined me at Jean’s apartment for a simple lunch, some birthday ice cream cake and some time together. Jean likes White Castle burgers, so we surprised her with some and all enjoyed them (except my daughter-in-law who doesn’t like them). Then we brought out the tasty Dairy Queen ice cream cake and enjoyed that as well.
We had a gift of a custom photo book my wife had put together of photos from a trip she and Jean took recently. We got to hang out for a couple of hours and just spend time together with much of the focus as usual on my granddaughter who never fails to entertain.
Walking away, my wife and I were pleased with the simple celebration of her mom’s birthday. The food was good. The gift was good. The best gift, though, was time with those we love. Jean hearing her great-granddaughter tell her “love you, Mawmaw” surely melted her heart as it did mine. Hugs and kisses from 20-month-old Abby are always the best gifts.
Occasionally I hear of and observe others spending massive amounts of money on celebrations of various types from weddings to birthdays to anniversaries and other occasions. Sometimes the amount spent just seems obscene to me and poor stewardship. There are more important things to do and focus on than elaborate externals. There can be beauty in simplicity.
Leap year lesson #312 is Simple celebrations can be best.
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