My father turned 86 yesterday. I haven’t seen him in 2 years and we are eagerly looking forward to our visit soon. As we live in New Zealand, we see the new day before the other countries. As Appa lives in India I had to wait until afternoon for him to start his new day and new year, to wish him.

What exactly did I want for him? How did I want to wish him on his special day?

He had lived a rich life- rich because of the lives he touched, the people he ministered to as a physician, rich because he was a father to not just me and my brother but to thousands of others. He was a mentor, guide and friend to many who had crossed his path. He had lived more than 2 decades after my mother’s death, a wife he doted and loved so much. In those years he turned his attention to a community in the outskirts of Chennai, in South India adopting them, educating them, training them and sharing his wisdom and experience. The last time I visited, these 40 children sang ‘Lead Kindly Light’ and ‘Abide with me’- 2 of my Appa’s favorite hymns.

Appa didn’t just read the Bible, he lived it!

 

Over the years Appa had become very weak and frail. But each time I see him stronger in heart. He left me with these words when I called worried that he was sick, a few weeks back.

Remember, he said

Pray to God

Trust God

Live courageously

And this, I saw him live out! Sometimes I called him and reminded him of a hymn we used to sing and then, on the phone we would sing together.

The Lords my Shepherd….

O Love that will not let me go…..

Me in my kitchen singing as the autumn breeze was blowing the leaves around in our backyard and he in his bedroom starting his day in India.

A couple of years back when I visited Appa, he took me to his room and opened a draw, as if to show me a treasure. There in neat piles were all the letters, cards and paper clippings I had posted to him over the years. My eyes clouded with tears. That day I saw the soft tender part of my tall, dark, handsome and strong father.

‘Live with wonder’ he would tell us. Ants, frogs, butterflies and flowers- they all fascinated him and pointed him to the Creator.

So, I called Appa at 7am on his birthday. ‘Appa’, I said ‘I wish you a quiet heart today’. Happy Birthday seemed very ordinary and a shallow wish for this special person. Do you wish for a quiet heart today? A heart brimming with joy and calm in the midst of the storm!?

Claim and pray these verses today. Try one of these:

·         Choose one of the verses to memorize.

·         Write them in the version you prefer and meditate on one.

·         Set them to music and sing it.

 

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you

I do not give you as the world gives.

Do not be troubled, do not be afraid.

 

Psalm 107:29-30 NIV

He stilled the storm to a whisper

The waves of the sea were hushed

They were glad when it grew calm

And he guided them to their desired haven.

 

Psalm 62:5a NIV

Find rest O my soul in God alone.

 

Praying for a quiet heart for you, dear friend.