Celebrated! - July 14, 2025

There's a lot of candles on that cake!

Yesterday was my birthday - #68.  Not a big one, but still, I see the years go by, and there have been a lot of them!  At this age, I am tempted to be okay with skipping the fanfare and saying, “It’s just another birthday.”  In fact, I made no plans and was content with that. 

How nice that my brother and my sister were insistent that we do something.  I said to both, “Why don’t you just stop by later in the afternoon?’  And that is how the porch and pool party happened yesterday at my house, complete with games, laughter, cake, ice cream, and presents!  It was fun.  It was joyous and I felt loved.  I don’t know why I have become so neutral about my birthday.   This birthday showed me how important it is to celebrate me.  At least once a year, if not more.  And that number 68 is no different than 28, 38 or even 18.  Everyone should be celebrated, especially on the day they made their entrance into the world. 

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” -Psalm 118:24

The joy God wants us to have is not based only on worldly pleasures, but in the joy found in relationship with Him.  He also created us to be in relationship with each other.  To love each other, support each other, and yes, celebrate each other. 

How lucky am I to have relationships with those who want to celebrate me!  I hope you have those kinds of people in your life too.  And if for some reason you don’t, don’t forget to celebrate yourself.  The one who created you is celebrating you, not just on your birthday, but every day.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” – Jeremiah 1:5

God knows all the wonderful reasons why we are worthy of celebration.  He gave each of us special gifts to share with the world.  He gave me my father’s eyes and my mother’s smile.  My love of the beach, my writing and photography skills.  And so much more.  Yeah, even my perfectionistic tendencies and the way I roll my eyes at something a bit questionable.  What’s so special about you?  Be assured God knows, but more importantly, He wants you to know too.

Sometimes we forget that we are awesome.  Let’s not do that anymore!