Scratch-Off Calendar

All the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared

before I’d even lived one day.

—Psalm 139:16

 

I already knew what was beneath, but still I watched closely as my father dragged a coin across the label, scratching away the surface. 

“Banana split.” 

“But where does he go to get his banana split?” my mother asked. 

“He doesn’t have to go anywhere,” I explained, “I have all the fixings in the car.” 

As I sliced bananas and scooped ice cream, I explained how the 30-day calendar worked, “Some days you win a surprise, other days a special message, prayer, or thought.” 

“When do I scratch off the label?” Dad asked. 

“First thing in the morning each day, but you have to give me till the end of the day to deliver. And no going ahead!” I laughed. 

Hoping my father would enjoy the anticipation of surprises, I created “Dad’s Lot O’ Surprises Scratch-Off Calendar” as a Father’s Day gift that would extend beyond the special day. And since I know my father has an affection for sweets, most of his surprises are sweet treats. Shhh! Let’s keep that a secret, though! 

A week has passed since Father’s Day—a week of scratching, for my dad. And for me, a week of following through on my promises. I hold the “master copy” of the calendar so I know when to deliver a candy bar or a hug or to offer a prayer on his behalf. 

This reminds me of God. He holds the “master copy” of our life calendar, for He is the Master. The psalmist says, “All the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day” (Psalm 139:16). 

Would you be tempted to scratch off before it's time?

God has a lot o’ surprises in store for us—far more than we could ever imagine or guess or request in our wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20)! And He knows us inside and out (Psalm 139:13-16), so His surprises are tailor-made specifically for us—just like those sweet treats I’ve planned for my dad.  

But how many times have I been impatient with God, wondering if He’ll ever come through on His promises? How many times have I been tempted to scratch off a surprise before its time? 

Scripture tells us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). We must “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). He will come through at just the right time.  

God thinks about you constantly (Psalm 139:17) and is always planning new surprises.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

    His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness;

    his mercies begin afresh each morning.—Lamentations 3:22-23 

What does the Lord have in store for you this morning? As for my dad, muffins are on the menu. And God is sending me to deliver them.  

If you will excuse me now, I have some baking to do. 

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your steadfast love and all the ways You surprise me—and for this day that I’m about to “scratch off.” I have no idea what it will bring, but I can trust You for the outcome for You always have my best interest at stake (Romans 8:28). I love You, God. Amen.