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"You should get one, Dad," one of the kids said.

Ron mumbled something about the joy of family and moved on.

Ron's 30th year with his company was set to arrive without fanfare. No band was hired or banquet scheduled. Just a wonderful man who worked mostly without recognition so his family could succeed.

I reminded God of Ron's faithfulness and begged for help.

While brainstorming with the children about a possible work anniversary gift, I remembered Ron's dancing eyes. "I wish I had the money to buy him a Corvette. I would love to give him his dream."

Jamie and Amie perked up.

"I'll give you the down payment," one said.

"Sure, Mom," the other chimed in. "I'll help too."

The idea was brilliant. If we all chipped in, we could do it! A quick call to our son Ken and it was set.

We met at a car lot across town and found a candy apple red 1977 Corvette. That's the year Ron would have purchased had he reached his original goal. As we told our story to Bob the owner, giggles and moist eyes brought joy into our hearts.

At the bank Brandon explained he couldn't loan small amounts on old cars. Again we shared our story. He slapped his fist on the desk, "I'm going to make this happen!" 

On Ron's work anniversary the boys ran into our house in a flurry of excitement. "Dad, come quick," they said. "Something's wrong with your car. Come outside and see."

As Ron walked outside he spotted the Corvette. "Wow that's pretty, whose is it?"

"It's yours," we yelled. "Your dream has come true."

No eye was dry; no mouth was silent. Shouts and tears and laughter and hugs abounded.

As I watched Ron walk around his Corvette, touching it lightly and shaking his head over and over, I realized that God answered my three decade prayer. And I realized that God loves surprises even more than we do! He's often sneaky in the way he answers our prayers. Answers can come in a form that we didn't expect. How satisfying to know that each member of my family played a role in God's gift. I felt the closeness that can come only when a family works together. We all felt joy knowing God was faithful and dreams do come true.

A Scripture verse sprang into my mind: "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4).

Ron took off the T-tops and we climbed in for our first ride. As I settled in, I tilted my head to the beautiful blue sky and whispered, "Thank you God. Sneaky or not, I'm glad you made Ron's eyes dance." 

Debbie Jansen is author of Discipline Exposed (WinePress Publishing).

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Marriage Partnership magazine. Click here for reprint information on Marriage Partnership.

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