Happy Birthday? Who says?
Isaiah 49:16
Whether it's your birthday this month or not - we'll all have one this year...hopefully
Shalom ~ What exactly constitutes a Happy Birthday? Is it lots of extravagant gifts or maybe just a gift would be nice, eh? Is it many people around you, lavishing you with wonderful compliments and well wishes; expressing how much the world has gained since you have become part of its inhabitants? Maybe it’s a day all to yourself. Or it’s the not so surprise, surprise party you were just sure your friends would throw in your honor. Perhaps you don’t care what anyone else says or does as long as your one true love acts halfway interested, paying a little extra attention to you on, this, your birthday.
What ever your definition is, it is highly possible that you will have a few go-a-rounds, maybe several, that don’t quite measure up to your meaning. Then what? Does that ruin the day, hence making it an “un-happy” birthday?
Over the years I’ve witnessed how a day that is supposed to be celebratory can become one of the most difficult days of the year for people. Sometimes it’s because the one you have committed your life to, namely husband or children, act like birthdays are no big deal (unless it’s theirs of course). After all, you have been privileged to have them in your life! What more could a woman want, right? Yeah… well. Perhaps worse yet, they forget. Ouch. That’s tough on the ole psyche. Then there is always the possibility that your birthday reminds you of all the dreams you’ve had, all the hands you thought you’d be holding that probably aren’t going be reality.
So what does one do on that “special day” when nothing about the day seems special? I think it’s natural to grieve when your heart is disappointed. It’s ok and it’s normal. God says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” But once you have expressed your disappointment to God, maybe take time to reflect about all of God’s working in your life over the last year. There is something about being grateful that puts circumstances in a whole new light. Perhaps try to imagine what God would say to you if He were sitting next to you. He would say how He crafted you just like He meant to. While others may blow this day off, He certainly does not! In fact, He has you inscribed on the palm of His hand. He would remind you that your birth was a wonderful, deliberate and creative act on His part. He loves remembering you in your mother’s womb! He would remind you that He knows the plans He has for you and that He still rejoices over you with singing.
Reflecting on these thoughts can make every birthday good… Besides regardless of what may or may not happen on this day, I think if we were all honest about it, any birthday is better than the alternative!
Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love
Rebecca
Rebecca, You just described how many of my last birthdays have become. Unless it is one of my four grown children's, their spouse or their children, NO BIG DEAL!! My next birthday will be #61, the past one #60 was an ordeal!! Thank you for reminding me where to look for my Happy Birthday come this October.
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