I reached a milestone birthday yesterday—one I was not particularly happy about. But I am grateful that Jesus has stayed with me through countless storms and battles to bring me to this moment in time.

As many family members and friends made me smile with their “Happy Birthday” greetings, my darling husband, JC, made my heart sing again. He thoughtfully put together a playlist of meaningful songs that brought back joyful memories. Music can be such a beautiful healing balm for the soul. JC also gave me flowers and a new Bible and brought home a scrumptious little tiramisu cake. Most importantly, he spent time with me—visiting a friend’s farm so I could pet the goats and driving a bit of a distance for some delicious cheeseburgers. He has always gone out of his way to make me happy for my “birthday week.”

Tied to a stair railing behind me is an awesome birthday balloon that one of my dearest friends dropped off yesterday. As it floats there, moving slightly in the breeze, I am reminded of the first time JC celebrated my birthday with me. Before we left for our date, I had asked him to look at the recent repairs to my car. Standing at the end of my long, narrow driveway, I noticed something bobbing up and down about six feet from the ground, slowly floating toward me. When it was almost to us, I moved around JC, jumped up to grab some strands of ribbon, and pulled down a round mylar balloon. Bold letters on it spelled out “Happy Birthday!” In total awe, I could not stop smiling! Of all the places this balloon could have floated and all the things that could have been printed on it, this one floated right to me! I knew this was a moment that could only have been orchestrated by God.

Serendipity… a Godwink… there is no way I will ever believe it was mere coincidence! I believe it was a confirmation from God that I was with the greatest gift anyone could receive—love! I did not realize it at the time. I was amazed and a bit in shock but could not yet know that my JC was the person God meant for me to share my life with. We had only been dating for a couple of months.

I honestly do not really like the word “coincidence.” I choose to think of these types of situations as special little gifts—messages from our loving Abba. Our Father only wants what is best for us, and the Holy Spirit will guide us on the right path if we open the eyes of our hearts to receive these precious signs.

Now, twenty-seven years later, I am still blessed to have the love of my JC—my incredible gift from God. I still have that “magic balloon,” and it still holds air, as I filled it with my breath this morning. I will choose to let the Holy Spirit breathe love and guidance over me, and I will always keep my heart and mind open to the special messages Abba sends my way.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

Laurie E. Hoppe-Ringer
March 28, 2025