Today is my sister’s birthday and it is a milestone one for her. She is a very special person, and I’m thankful to have her in my life. So, I begin this post by saying “Happy Birthday” to her.
Birthdays mean different things to different people, but mostly they are considered days for celebration. For children, birthdays mean parties and presents. For adults, they mean achievements. For young people, birthdays often represent another step closer to a goal-age. And for older folks, they represent another year effectively accomplished.
But birthdays can also be viewed negatively as unwelcomed mile-markers of aging, or as reminders of unpleasant memories. Whether we think birthdays should be celebrated or ignored, there is one thing that we can’t deny: time marches on. Whether we recognize our birthdays or not, the years are passing. And I can personally attest that forgetting birthdays does NOT slow time’s progression – I’ve tried it and I’m still getting older!
I think birthdays are opportunities to appreciate one another. They are occasions that allow us show someone that we appreciate them; or to allow others show their appreciation for us. We are always so busy in our lives, that stopping for a moment to observe someone’s birthday can be a much-needed break. Even small gestures of birthday recognition can make people happy. However, I must add that appreciation does not always mean purchasing gifts. Perhaps for children, buying gifts may be necessary; but for adults, it is not. A kind word, or a heartfelt note, or a homemade present can mean more to the recipient than something we might purchase. In any case, giving gifts should be done out of the freewill heart’s desire of the giver, and not because of a required social convention.
Almost all holidays are centered around some kind of remembrance. Just as Thanksgiving is a day to remember all the reasons that we have to be thankful, a birthday is a chance to remember someone special to us. As parents, we celebrate our children’s birthdays because we love them, and we remember the rejoicing that we had on the day they were born. For birthdays of other family members and friends, we often reminisce about our shared experiences and the impacts that their lives have had on ours. Overall, remembering someone on their birthday is a pleasant reminder of their significance in our lives.
I like traditions. As long as the tradition isn’t at cross-purposes with God’s Word, it can be an enjoyable, memory-making activity for families and friends. Birthday parties can be a delightful tradition for all ages. I still remember some of my birthday parties from childhood. They were such special events for me. I always got to wear a pretty dress, and there were kids, and presents, and cake, and games. I remember the first time my mom got me a store-bought birthday cake. It didn’t taste any better than her homemade cakes, but it had flowers on it – beautiful pink edible flowers! And surprisingly, not everyone liked the beautiful pink sugar-laden flowers, so I got to eat most of them. And I probably remember this because I might still be on that sugar high!
I also remember birthday parties that my friends in Ohio would have for me as an adult. I don’t know exactly why it always seemed to be my birthday that we celebrated together, but it was; maybe because I’m the oldest? Anyway, we played games, we did crafts, we ate and drank. And the fellowship was terrific. Those are very special memories for me.
I remember my children’s birthday parties, especially the ones for my boys in the 8-12 year old range. I have pictures from one particular party of a bunch of 8 to 10 year-old boys very proudly flexing their less than bulging arm muscles. It is cheerful reminder of those years. And for my daughter’s birthday slumber parties; I can still hear the high-pitched sound of giggling that only little girls can make! But most of all, I cherish the memories of my kids’ birthdays with their grandparents. The pictures from those times are irreplaceable.
I could continue my walk down memory lane for pages, but I think you get the idea. Birthdays can be a wonderful way to commemorate life. Even if you have no tradition of celebrating birthdays, you can still bless someone by remembering them on their special day. Sometimes just telling someone that you love and appreciate them can be the best birthday present you can give.
No matter what your thoughts are on birthdays – good or bad, remember that our lives are blessed by God regardless of how old we are, (or young). Age is relatively insignificant compared to eternal life, which we received when we got born again. And the gift that God gave us on that day is the best present we could ever receive on any day including our birthday!
And if today happens to be your birthday – revel in God’s blessings. Enjoy every moment of your day. Congratulate yourself for another year successfully completed and look forward to many more years of God’s wondrous works in your life.
Note to my readers: Whenever your birthday is, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Thanks for reading!