This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! – Psalm 118:24
My birthday was last week. As you are reading this devotional, it has already happened but as I am writing it, my birthday day has not yet come. Here is another instance of ‘already’ and ‘not yet’ – but so unlike the kingdom theology! Birthdays can be a time of celebration or a time of depression. Despite the increasing number of candles on my birthday cake, getting me closer to the big “6 0” – I have chosen to start looking at each birthday year now as a blessing, instead of something to dread.
So, although I am not so excited about my body getting older, I do want my spirit to mature….I want to grow in my relationship with the Lord. I want to grow in grace and knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ. I want to read my Bible and take the messages to heart with a new anticipation.
While the media leads us to believe that youth somehow has more value, the truth is, we are treasured by God at every age. Not only that, but He gives us specific gifts to share with the world in every season of our lives. In Titus 2:3-5 ESV, Paul reminds the older women of their great purpose – that by living reverent lives of love, self-control, purity and kindness, they will bless and nurture the hearts of the younger women and their families. The generations to come depend on our willingness to share with God has given us.
That is the main reason why I love working with our youth (kiddos as I affectionately call them); to help equip them to be strong in their faith and have a desire to keep it going, even when they might be disconnected from the body of Christ – our church familia. So many of our young adults, 64% (now!!! ) (between ages of 18-29) have stepped away from the church. I want to help decrease that number.
It’s also why I love counseling and helping others through their trials to become better versions of themselves. With the Holy Spirits guidance and help- we can all live successful and healthy lives. It’s the reason why I love facilitating our GriefShare ministry. Through the healing of shared stories and heartbreak, we are all drawing nearer to God to become stronger versions of ourselves.
One thing that comes with getting older is that the comfort level with myself has increased. At some point, I realized God had created me to fill a special spot in His plan, a place no one else could fill. Thus, the competition in life diminished (oh- I can be very competitive!) and I enjoy my job, my friends and family
I don’t want to stay the same! I want God to continue to grow me and change me and mold me. I don’t want to make the same mistakes year after year, but I want to learn from them and overcome them. I know God is doing a new thing in me each year. I don’t want to look over my shoulder, lamenting about the past and the mistakes I’ve made. Instead, I want to look forward to what God is doing in me and through me today. This year, I want to take the wisdom God has given me and make the right choices. This year will be the best one yet!
Special Birthday Prayer:
Thank You, Father God, for creating me and blessing me with an incredible life with where you have allowed me to be. I am blessed beyond measure with the family you have given me! Thank you, God for birthdays. I pray that this year I continue to grow and mature. Help me in making the right choices for my life to only reflect the goodness of your spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.