Birthday Wisdom

 

Birthdays have always been a big part of our family experience.  When the children were smaller, they would come home from school to balloons, their favorite meal for dinner and, of course, the cake!  We believe in celebrating them – whether we can all be together or not.  Today we do our best to ensure each family member knows we are glad they are here for another year. 

When I was a child, birthdays were an important thing in my family as well.  Mom always prepared a great meal and a great cake!  As I grew older, birthdays became bittersweet.  On my 30^th birthday, I miscarried with my second child.  Birthdays took on a different meaning then – a gentle reminder of loss.  When I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of thirty-six, I wondered how many more birthdays I would have.  When I divorced, I contemplated how many birthdays would be ahead of me that would find me alone. 

Through the challenges of those birthdays, I was also able to gain perspective.  I knew then, as I do now, that our Dear Lord had plans that I did not know.  His wisdom will always be far greater than mine!  I have been blessed that He has provided me opportunities to take a glimpse into His wisdom.  He provided me with the love of family and friends to guide me through the tough birthdays.  He gifted me my husband, the love of my life, who has and continues, to make my birthday a special event.  He provided me wisdom to ensure health and healing, both body and soul, so that my years could continue! 

Our Lord’s wisdom comes in many ways.  Certainly, reading the scripture gives us insight and wisdom to help guide our lives.  How do we gain that wisdom?  By reading that scripture, digesting it, and living by it.  He also gives us pastors and friends in Christ to provide understanding.  And He provides birthdays to help us realize that through His wisdom, we can live another year.  As the years move on, we can become melancholy about birthdays.  Let us be reminded that they should be celebrated with joy and thanksgiving in all the blessings that God has provided.

As I celebrate a milestone birthday this year, I reflect upon all my other birthdays – the ones that have been incredibly joyous and the ones that have been challenging.  They ALL have brought wisdom and have taught me lessons that I continue to take with me into the next year.  For my family and friends who have guided me and helped me through all my birthdays, I am truly blessed!  You have brought me joy, peace, and love – thank you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing us wisdom to celebrate our birthday each year.  May we seek ways to bring wisdom into our lives along with thanking you for all the blessings you bestow upon us.  In your name we pray.  Amen!