Tip of My Iceberg

I can remember when the big reveal was answering the phone to find out who the caller was. Or waiting for school pictures to come out to see how dorky I looked. Or taking a roll of pictures to see if any turned out the way I’d hoped.

Technology has changed a lot of things.

The creativity behind gender reveal parties for upcoming births has become a Pinterest lover’s dream.

Our daughter, Tiffany, and her husband, Ramsay, are expecting their first child the first week of December. They found out at their last appointment whether it would be a boy or girl.

Not really.

They wanted it to be a surprise to them as well. The doctor put the information in an envelope, which they gave to our youngest, Debbie. It was her responsibility to figure out how to craft a party around this.

Our local Party City was my daughter’s partner in crime. Purchasing the biggest balloon she could get, she filled it with the necessary color–and some gold confetti to boot. Because how can you have a party without bling?

Both sides of the family gathered at our house, with cell phones Facetiming all five siblings that weren’t there. Those that thought it was a boy stood on ones side; the girl-guessers on the other.

Like the countdown to the New Year’s ball dropping, we counted down and Ramsay popped the balloon.

Pink and gold came cascading out. Five-year-old Isley was thrilled. She immediately named the baby Pearl and began talking to her.

I’m not gonna lie–I feel somewhat cheated. I’ve had six kids, and never once was I assured of the gender. I had many tell me what they were sure I had. They’d be right. Fifty percent of the time. My big reveal came with the final big push. Five girls, one boy.

All had wardrobes with lots of green, which was the unisex color of the day.

I’m happy for folks nowadays to have the chance to plan a little. To prepare nurseries to receive a little boy or girl.To mentally and emotionally prepare as well.

Life rarely gives me such guarantees. Where I can be totally prepared. Ready for what comes.

Sometimes the big reveal is my decision. Who I’m going to be that day. What part of me will show up–good Dayle or snarky Dayle.

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.”   Proverbs 27:19

The truth of my heart is revealed in my actions. Who I am is defined by what fills my heart.

If my heart is grounded in Jesus, I’ll reflect His character, His truth.

If my heart is embracing the ways of the world, with my demands driving my desires, I’m going to reflect the darkness around me.

I don’t need a broken balloon to prove that. All I have to do is open my mouth to see what attitude is displayed.

What does your heart reveal about you?