An incredible surprise

 "Why do mornings come up so early?" Haley muttered to herself, as Mrs. Woods came up to wake her up with a smile.

"Good Morning dearie! And a very happy birthday."- said Mrs. Woods as she kissed Haley's forehead.

"Bad start to my special day... I have woken up so early!" - said Haley in reply.

"Haley, stop complaining at least today. It's your birthday!"

Haley Woods, a girl with an amazing intellect, yet, never satisfied with anything on Earth. Haley could be much more than what she was, if only she stopped complaining. 

The way she saw life was a matter of concern for her parents.

"Oh gosh! Mom, ain't I getting anything other than the same old breakfast on my birthday? "My birthday dress looks boring. I had seen Sarah's last year. Hers was pretty good!" and a lot more.

Now, they were done with all her grumbling. This birthday, Mr. & Mrs. Woods decided to give Haley a gift of positivity and gratitude. 

She was sent out of the house with some of her friends to give 'em some time to prepare.In the evening, when Haley returned home, she found the lights dimmed out, with not a single sound coming from the house.She entered the house, and saw a few lights on and some candles burning on the dining table. She went up to the table and saw a piece of paper kept on it. It said:

"It's your birthday Haley,

Many surprises await you!

A place there is; Where

Many of your childhood days, we have spent with you!

On a very special spot there,

You'll find your next clue!"

At first she was confused. But she recognised the place soon. It was the children's park near their house and the special spot was the sand pit there. She had played a lot there, when she was a child. 

Haley muttered to herself-"What are they up to? Is the children's park going to be the venue for my party? No!"

Still grumbling, she went there, and straight up to the sand pit. She found another piece of paper, that said-

"Look around you, 

And see carefully.

Do you see someone...

Who's smiling heartily?

Go ask them; Why

are they smiling so joyously."

She looked around herself and found many people smiling, but then she saw a man sitting beside the lamp post whose face was beaming and who was smiling quite gleefully. She went up to the man and asked him why was he smiling. The man replied-

"I am very poor. I don't get to eat daily. Today a lady brought me some food and pie. So generous. The almighty saved me from starvation."

Haley was a bit astonished on seeing this man's happiness for getting to eat "something", whereas she remembered how she had complained about the breakfast in the morning.

Then she looked back at the piece of paper. Beneath her clue, in very small letters, was written- "next clue overleaf."

She did and found her next clue:

"We pray for your wellness,

Everyday and night,

You'll find your next clue at a place,

Where people come to reduce their plight.

The clue lies at a spot,

*Which is at a height*"

She immediately figured out the place - Church. Haley reached the nearby church soon and went to the upper storey. She found her next clue in the balcony.

"Go down and watch,

The people who pray.

Ask them the cause of their prayers,

And carefully hear what they say."

With the same remark in minute letters:

"next clue overleaf."

There were a few people in the church. She saw girl who seemed of her age. She went up to her and asked her why she was there.

The girl said- "I had a bad accident a couple of weeks ago while I was riding my bicycle. I was quite badly hurt, but, by God's grace, I recovered soon. I came here to thank him for his mercy. Though I still have pain, but I believe, I'll recover from that too."

Haley felt regretful. She had never been that grateful to God for being blessed with a healthy body and mind. She wished the girl a quick recovery and moved on.

Next clue on the page was:

"We love you and wish you,

A very happy birthday.

Your next clue is at a place,

That's painted in white, pink and gray.

Usually kids don't like,

Visiting this place everyday.

You'll find your next clue,

In the area where you play."

Haley was confused and completely exhausted by this time. But anyhow, she had to continue. She thought for a long time, and then it occurred to her mind. "School!" she shouted. "It's my school building, that's painted with white, gray and pink colours. And no one likes to go to school everyday." 

She quickly reached her school. There was no one there except the guard, who was sitting silently and was lost in deep thought. She sought his permission to go to the playground and got her next clue:

"Do you find someone,

Who looks gloomy and sad?

Just go and ask them...

What makes their day bad?"

...

"next clue overleaf."

Haley had just seen the guard acting weird. She went up to him and asked him, why was he so silent and he answered:

"It's my daughter's birthday after a couple of days. I don't have any money to buy her a gift this time. Such an unfortunate father I am. You kids are lucky to have parents who can buy you anything at any time of the year. I can't even afford a birthday gift for my lovely girl." He said this with teary eyes. 

Haley was full of guilt and remorse. She remembered all those instances when she had poked her parents for not buying her expensive clothes and giving her all the luxuries. She had never been thankful to them for all that they had 'given' her until now. 

She consoled him and left the place still full of regret. All the words of the guard kept revolving in her mind. Tears of regret welled up in her eyes. Now, she looked up at the page, teary-eyed.

The second clue said:

"Now it's time,

For this game to end.

Now you must reach the place,

Where, on this day, you call your friends!"

Home- finally it was time to reach her house. But something felt wrong. She was not happy.

Haley reached home wearing a sad face. She entered the house and was met by many people, eagerly waiting for her. She saw her parents, smiling at her. But she could not restrain herself anymore. Still teary-eyed she went straight to her mother, and hugged her tightly. 

"I am so sorry Mom. I've been such a troublesome daughter doing nothing but complaining and grumbling. I have hurt you so much."

"It's ok Haley. We are happy that now you know, what God has given you, a healthy body, good mind, parents who care for you and food to survive. Everyone doesn't get that." 

"Yes Mom. You are right. I'll remember this party forever. And this is the best gift I could ever get on any of my birthdays."