Les Newsom, My Predestined Birthday Party

A couple of weeks ago, I innocently stepped into our church’s fellowship hall only to hear 250+ people scream, “SURPRISE!” Turns out my wife had orchestrated a two-month plot to surprise me (probably the most suspicious person you’ve ever met) two weeks prior to that grim anniversary of life—my 40th birthday.

By anyone’s estimation, it was a total success. Not only was I surprised that night by the overwhelming show of love and affection from those who had traveled from near and far to celebrate with me, I was equally unable to mentally flip through the last two months and find something, anything that might have made me say, “Ahh, so that’s what she was up to.” Nothing. Nada.

My wife, Ginger (if that IS her real name…?!), was quite proud of herself. Most of the rest of our evening was spent cataloguing the web of stealth and intrigue spun by one of the most good-natured, non-conniving people I know. Heretofore, my wife just hasn’t been capable of that level of deception. She told me about fake email addresses and super-secret Facebook groups, about hiding text messages and sneaking around my fickle schedule.

What struck me that night after the party was over, after the almost crippling disorientation that dominated my mood throughout (see the photo above for my split-second reaction upon entering the room), was the sheer beauty of the thing. So much time, so much planning, so much concern—just so that a group of people could tell me that they cared about me. I found my thoughts turning to the doctrine of predestination.

Yes, you read that correctly—predestination. Let me explain.

First, it has to be said that I am an avowed Calvinist. Prick my skin and I bleed the Five Points. However, I have not embraced God’s absolute sovereignty over every molecule, every decision, “every creature and all their actions,” because I find the doctrine particularly philosophically satisfying. Quite frankly, I do not. The problems created by God’s absolute sovereignty and man’s inescapable responsibility cannot tidily be explained by anyone.

But if it is at all possible, set the philosophical discussions of free will and determinism aside for a moment to consider this one thought: there is something captivatingly beautiful about a God who has meticulously planned out every detail of one’s life, not so that he can rule the universe in despotic ferocity, but very simply to tell his creatures how much he loves them.

Think about it, Christian: what if at the end of time, you suddenly discover that every “random” event of your past life had been meticulously pieced together into a beautiful tapestry which, when seen in hindsight, unfolded a persistent, unquenchable, cosmic affection towards you. I now have a palpable sensation stored in my emotional memory of something that I hope to feel again some day, that as soon as I open my eyes on the other side of death, there will appear the entire creation screaming, “Surprise! It all makes sense. All the wrongs will be right-ed. All the hurts will be healed. All the tears will be wiped away.” And that what ensues will be an eternal bath of joy. This, I believe, is at the heart of God’s sovereign planning, at his predestinating purpose.

To all those who were participants in my wife’s best-yet love letter (even those who could not make it to Oxford, but were “in on it” nonetheless), “thank you” sounds so trite. But I will say this: that for a single, lovely evening, I felt very loved and very wealthy, for you were the hand of Christ for me that night. And for that, I am (and hope to be) eternally grateful.

Comments

[JN]

Les:

Happy Birthday! You don't know me, but it seems appropriate to celebrate your great day.

Thanks for this post. The thought that evey "random" act will reveal God's affection for me one day is almost too good to be true. Thanks for helping me believe it again today.

[Emily Athanas]

Les, I still cannot believe Ginger and everyone pulled this off! Maybe you are not as perceptive as I thought? :)
Really, I am thrilled that you felt so much love that night! You have touched SO MANY lives and are daily pouring yourself into the lives of others, sharing the love of Christ with people and serving Him! What a joy that everyone was able to give you a little thank you in return!!!
I am sick we were not able to be there, but lots of love and birthday wishes from the Athanas crew!
Thanks for always being so kind, encouraging and such a sweet friend to me! I am eternally grateful for you, your family and for your ministry!! Em :)

[Jim B.]

I finished your second to last paragraph while listening to the height of Sufjan Stevens's crescendo in "O Holy Night" (from Hark! Songs for Christmas) and admittedly shed a tear. Emotional overload. What beauty there is in History.

Thanks for remembering God's plan aloud as we enter the Advent season,

Jim

[Sierra]

Les, I am so glad that the party was more to you than any of us could have expected. I hope that you are daily affirmed of how charished you are and by so many.

[Carroll Henderson]

Les! I have to say that even Jay and I in NJ were "in on it" - so excited that you were surprised! It's cool to think that you were predestined to do our wedding! We were so blessed by it! We are also blessed by this blog entry! We look forward to having our "last marriage counseling session." Happy Birthday!