My grandson, Conrad, will have completed his first trip around the sun on Saturday. Hooray! Conrad’s first year of life has seen the Michigan Wolverines win a national championship in football and the Detroit Lions play in the conference final. Based only on football, he’s already had a better first year, than my previous 60. This Saturday we will be celebrating year #1.

My son and wife, Alex and Blaire, are throwing a big bash for the occasion. I don’t remember if my parents threw me a “One Year” birthday party for me or not, I suspect they did not. Will Conrad remember the Saturday’s party? I doubt it. Even so, a big group will be there for the happy day!

I’m not sure if there will be a candle for him to blow out or a cake to eat. He’s a Prince, so there had better be ice cream (we Princes love our ice cream). We will probably sing “Happy Birthday to you” at some point. There will be presents to open. If he’s like most kids, he will probably be more enthralled by the wrapping paper, bows and the packaging than the actual gift inside. None of those things really matter, as a grandparent, I will be happy if he is happy.

I’m learning being a grandparent is different from being a parent. I recently read that a mom to her kid says: “You get what you get. Deal with it.”  But that same mom as a grandma says: “Would you like your grilled cheese sandwich cut into stars or hearts?”

It’s true. As grandparents to a soon-to-be one-year-old infant, we want the best for Conrad. Of course, the best, the absolute best, gift is Jesus. More than any gift he will receive on Saturday, we can’t wait for him to receive the gift of Jesus into his heart and life. He’s too young to understand spiritual things. He won’t receive Jesus this Saturday. But one day, one great day, he will have the opportunity to accept Jesus into his life. When that day comes Jesus says that the angels in heaven will be throwing a party for the occasion (see Luke 15:7). I’m not sure that there will be streamers, balloons, ice cream and cake in heaven, but there will be a party!

The Bible reminds us that this life is short. Conrad is at the starting gate; I’m eyeing the finish line. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James’ point, in light of eternity, we aren’t occupying space on this spinning globe for very long. So, make sure you’ve received the great gift, Jesus. The parties on earth are fine (even if the kid won’t remember birthday #1). A much bigger imperative is to make sure that our names are written on the party banners in heaven.

That’s a party you’ll remember and rejoice in for all eternity!