Yesterday was my birthday. I LOVE my birthday. But for the first time in 42 years it occurred to me that birthdays are really pretty arbitrary. I mean, if I had anything to do with the events of December 1, 1971, I don’t remember it. It was, however, a significant day for my mom–now she DID something.
But really, it just happens to be the day God decided to heave me into the world. And he’s been trying to steer me right ever since–with varying degrees of cooperation on my part.
Now, I’m all for a day when I get presents and cake. You know, just because I exist, but it occurs to me that maybe my birthday is something more than a ME day. It’s the day I should be grateful to my parents for, you know, making me. The day I can appreciate that God had something in mind when he knit me together in my mother’s womb. The day I can be glad I have people in my life who are glad I was born–my husband, my family, friends . . .
The more I think about it, the more I think my birthday really isn’t so much about me. Because the best parts of my birthday are the parts that involve other people. My husband saying “happy birthday” with a chilly kiss on our morning dog walk. The cake at church with my name on it. The phone calls from my family. The happy birthday wishes from friends on Facebook. The lunch out tomorrow courtesy of co-workers.
And I didn’t do anything to deserve any of it. It’s just because I was born. So this birthday I’m not so much celebrating me. I’m celebrating all the people God has placed in my life. All the people God has blessed me with. Thanks for loving me.
Meet Sarah
Love this perspective Sarah! P.S. My husband was born 10 days after you…same year! 🙂
And Happy Birthday, too!!
It was a good year!
You make it easy (to love you.) 🙂
Ditto.
Ummm, WHAT??
Happy Birthday, to one of the kindest, most witty people I know!!
Aw, thanks!
I saw your 40th BD post of 2 years ago (suggested reading above) and went there. Glad I did; it was very good, but made me think of all the things that happened IN that 2 years to get you to this point.
I will remember these words as I also celebrate my birthday this month. I love birthdays, anyone’s will do, and
I have been this way since I was a small child. I do have a lot to be thankful for. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes! Anyone’s will do. Still remember getting spanked for opening my brother’s presents one year. I mean, he was so SLOW!
what year was that??
Daniel might have been three?
It is deserved, actually – you’re a daughter of the Most High – you’re royalty! And the celebration should befit the birthday of the Princess you are!
For myself – and I suspect I speak for others – we’re glad you’re here. Your wisdom, humor, and kindness inspire so many people. We look forward to your blog day, with a sense of anticipation and delight.
…and many more, dear Sarah. Many more.
Just FYI, Sarah means, “God’s Princess.”
There you go!
Happy Birthday, Sarah!
Wish you had been there to eat cake with us!
Happy Birthday, Sarah a.k.a. God’s Princess! I hope your birthday was a wonderful celebration of gratitude. I love your perspective. My birthday is MONTHS away, but I want to remember this and take the focus off of ME. 🙂 Loved this!
Thanks! Never too soon to make birthday plans . . .