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!
