“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 NASB

My 21st birthday will always hold a special place in my heart.

It was the day I realized that Lord was not only pursuing me, but He was romancing me, as well.

I was reading an article about a woman who realized that there were five different saints that died at 24. So, throughout her life, she prayed that she would receive a special gift for her 24th birthday. Since my own birthday was coming up, I decided I would also ask for a gift from those five saints and God.

One of the saints in particular was also one of my favourites, St. Therese of Lisieux. I didn’t ask for anything too extravagant, but for a simple gift that crossed my mind. 

Inspired by my little favourite French saint, I asked for a single red rose. 

A few hours later, I attended morning mass to start off my special day right. I was so happy because was the first time in a long time when I was able to get up early to attend morning mass. 

I remember being focused in mass until I noticed something out of the corner of my eye: something red. 

I turned to the left area of the Church and noticed that a whole bouquet of red and pink roses was placed at the feet of our Blessed Mama Mary. I was shocked!

Did God answer my last minute prayer?!

_{The bouquet of red and pink roses placed at the feet of our Blessed Mama Mary.}

It turns out that He did answer my prayer. I knew in my heart that the bouquet of red and pink roses were specifically meant for me. It was God’s present for my 21st birthday.

I was nearly brought to tears because I also had finished renewing my Consecration to Jesus through Mama Mary two days prior, on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th). 

I was so humbled that God remembered me. Not only did He give me more than what I asked for – a whole bouquet of red roses when I only asked for one – He also gave it to me through His Mama!

I felt so loved because my own mom was away. She went back home to help with my uncle’s funeral in the Philippines. So, the fact that I received the bouquet from my spiritual mom warmed my heart so much because my own earthly mother wasn’t able to be with me on my birthday.

It was such a beautiful reminder of God’s love for me. My spiritual director reminded me that despite my desolation at the time, the Lord gave me a little moment of consolation on my birthday. 

It’s been a few weeks since my birthday (December 14th, the feast day of St. John of the Cross), and this memory still makes me so happy whenever I think about it. 

I pray that you all may experience the Lord’s love as I have a few weeks ago. Something that I have learned as well is to not be afraid to ask of God for great things. 

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him”.

So please do so. He only wants to give you the best things in life, if you ask of Him.

Our God will never be outdone in generosity, my friend.

_{The red and pink rose bouquet that the Lord surprised me with on my 21st birthday!}