A few years ago, I threw a surprise birthday party for one of my friends, Josh. I planned for him to come over so I could give him his birthday gift. Before he came in the house I took all of his friends and put them in a hiding place. When he walked into the house I put on my most attractive smile to draw his attention away from the hidden crowd. Once his back was turned everyone jumped out and hollered “SURPRISE!!!” I saw the astonished look on his face and laughed. Success was mine! But that was only part of my mischievous plan.
Games were played, cake was eaten, pictures were taken, all your typical birthday party fare. Only the games weren’t normal party games, and the pictures weren’t normal pictures. As for games, there was an epic water balloon fight and a hilarious silly string battle. After these were done, one of my friends pied Josh in the face with a shaving cream pie. Of course, during all this we had to get a group picture. I had my best friend and evil minions go up on the roof above the porch where they had filled a garbage can and some big tubs with water earlier that day. Everyone lined up for the picture. I stuck around for the first few, then I ran away, right as all my friends got blasted by the tipped over containers above them. My evil plan was again successful! That is until Josh turned on me. He came over and gave me a bear hug, getting me soaking wet as well. I guess maybe I should have thought through that one a little more. I groaned. Then, another one of my friends wiped shaving cream on my face. I guess I got what I deserved. Always up to no good.
People wondered why I threw the party for Josh. I wanted to show Josh that everyone loved him, so I brought everyone together in friendship (and mutual sogginess).
When I pull all my pranks, I show my love to my family and friends. It is my way of saying “I love you” instead of saying it out loud. I think it is important to always show others love, just like Christ showed His love for us.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
1 John 4:7-8 (NASB)
6
