Jeff and Grace had been married for many years and loved each other very much, but they had no children. One year, when they were quite old, Jeff decided on a very special birthday present for Grace. In the fall of the year, he waited until his wife went out on an errand, and then he hurried out to their yard and planted crocus bulbs in the grass. All fall, until the ground was frozen, he continued to work on his surprise whenever Grace was gone. Tulip, daffodil and crocus bulbs disappeared into the ground as he planted them all over the yard.
Jeff’s health began to fail that winter. He was told by his doctor that he had cancer. He said very little about it, and accepted it as allowed of the Lord. He always kept a smile on his face. As the winter days drifted by he sometimes would look over to his dear wife and say, “You have a nice surprise coming on your birthday.” But he would not tell her what it was. How he looked forward to her birthday in the spring. He kept watching eagerly as spring showers turned the grass green, and then little by little tiny leaves opened on the trees. And then, yes — in the grass the crocuses were coming up!
One bright sunny day he took Grace by the hand and led her out into the yard to see a beautiful multicolored lawn and garden. All those colorful flower faces were turned up to the sun. “Happy birthday, dear,” he said.
Tears ran down Grace’s face as she said, “This is the most beautiful birthday gift I have ever had.”
Jeff’s health got worse very rapidly that spring. One day he had to be taken to the hospital. He became so ill that they had to move him to a different hospital for treatment. He was taken there by helicopter. As they flew over the city Jeff spoke to the pilot and told him that soon his soul was going through the sky to be with his Lord and Saviour. Jeff wasn’t afraid to die because he completely trusted the One who said, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” Isaiah 43:11But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (Isaiah 43:1).
Jeff has gone to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven now, and Grace is alone. As she waits for the time when they will be together in heaven, she has her special birthday present every spring when those crocuses, tulips and daffodils bloom. It is just as if Jeff were there with her saying, “Happy birthday, dear!” And what a comfort that is to her.
Our heavenly Father has not left us without hope either. In John 14:2 The Lord Jesus says to us, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Then in verse 3 He says, “that where I am, there ye may be also.” We are patiently waiting for Him to come for us, and while we wait we are told to “comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1818Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The crocuses are such a comfort to Grace, and so is the Lord’s promise to us.
Have You Noticed?
There is something different about our memory verse this week. Have you noticed that part of the verse is in darker type? We’ll explain why.
We are happy that many of you learn these verses every week. Memorizing God’s holy Word is very important. Can you think of some reasons why? One very important reason is given to us in Psalms 119:1111Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11). It says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” If a verse has been learned, the Lord Jesus can bring it into your mind just when you need it most — to help you do or say what is right and what will please Him.
Some of you children probably learn these verses by yourselves. Some of you younger ones may have someone help you learn them. Perhaps there are some very young children who are only able to learn part of the verse each week. Since our memory verse this week is longer, we have printed in darker type a part for beginners to learn. We plan to do this each time we have a longer verse.
We hope this will encourage everyone, even the very young, to memorize Scripture.
ML-04/02/1989