When Valentine’s Day came, I thought I could give my wife a most wanted present.

For Valentine’s Day I always get her some flowers and a card, but not usually a present.

But this year there was a gift I knew she would be thrilled with … a gift she had been hoping for.

Here’s the story: I had been growing a beard for about four weeks and almost every day she asked me when I was going to shave it off.

She would say, “You’re not going to keep this, are you?” and “Am I going to be married to a Grizzly Adams?”

I never gave her any hope that I was going to shave it off (read about that here). 

Instead I talked about how nice it was growing in, how I liked the colour and just how great it was to have a beard.

In reality, I couldn’t have cared less to have a beard. 

When I started, my stubble was all white and I just wanted to see what it was going to grow into.

As the weeks went on, I could tell that Lily was wondering if she was going to have to get used to it, but she was not at the place to accept it. 

My plan was to shave it off after four weeks on a Saturday, just before Sunday. But during the week, I had an idea for a sermon illustration that was related to my beard, so I decided I would keep it for one more Sunday. 

Valentine’s Day was the day after Sunday and I determined that I would surprise Lily with a gift of shaving off my beard.

While Lily was busy that afternoon building a puzzle, I secretly shaved my beard and then stayed out of her way (read about that here). 

I was working on a project at my desk when she came downstairs and kissed me on my freshly shaven cheek.

She didn’t notice!  

A little while later I came upstairs and looked at how she had set up the living room. We had planned to have a romantic dinner at home and the living room looked like a perfect, quiet spot in a restaurant. The lights were low and Lil had candles glowing all over the room. 

We had a short conversation and I went to pick up dinner from a Greek takeout place close by. 

When I came back, Lily kissed me on my lips and took the food to place it on the plates. We sat down to eat, just three feet across from each other, face to face, eye to eye. 

Then Lily said, “Oh, I need a picture”. She got out her phone and took a picture from across the table. 

Never once had she said anything about my missing beard. 

We were a few minutes into eating our dinner when I finally couldn’t take it any longer. I asked, “Did you notice I shaved off my beard?” 

Lily gasped. She was so embarrassed. It never dawned on her. She’s not living this one down.

I almost decided to start growing it back that night … but I don’t want a beard.

Here’s the thing: Have you ever noticed how intricately the petals of a rose are formed, or how the human body has been put together? It’s hard to believe that this all happened randomly, by luck or flute. It’s practically impossible if you think about it. No, God made everything precisely and purposefully. But many people never notice. I encourage you to take notice of the Creator and put your trust in Christ. 

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What has escaped your attention lately? Leave your comments and questions below.

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