Babies have no problem handling birthdays--'cause they have no clue what's going on! They cry, wet, burp, hiccup, sleep and do whatever feels good or bad to their heart's content. Toddlers are a little more "aware" - ask our Jason who on his second birthday couldn't even concentrate on the cake while his new birthday riding toy was in sight. His eyes were glued on that little red car--"Ahhh, caaah," he exclaimed, and that was the end of the cake! Bigger kids get very excited--skating parties, clown parties, pizza parties are the rage--let's invite a million friends and celebrate for all it's worth! Teens impatiently wait for their next birthday too, make an electronic list, invite two million friends for an all-nighter, and food, fun, food fights and frantic music can be expected!
Mid-life adults? We hit the big 4-0 and the big 5-0 and our friends go crazy. They bring out the black balloons, the black crepe paper, the wheelchair, the cane, the prune juice and the Geritol to remind us that we are, without a doubt, their dear AGING friend. It's still fun and helps us forget the wrinkle lines, the greying hair, the aching back, the sore joints and whatever else comes with the beauty of old age! Join the party--we're all headed there!
But let's get personal--how do "I" handle a birthday--like the one I just had yesterday? Not very well (sheepish grin), for except for the food, the fun, the friends and the presents, I don't LIKE the aging process, and while I still can camouflage it fairly well (or so I "think"), I am STILL getting old--birth certificates don't lie! Now I decided this year that I could handle it one of two ways: I could groan and moan and get depressed over the new "number" which shall remain numberless here--or I could focus away from myself and to the Lord who's been so good over so many years....And THAT's what I choose to do this year....don't ask me about next year, 'cause it's a big one but, with God's help and my good senses, I hope I can do the same!
My new resolution took me to the Bible, where I had fun imagining how three moms in God's Word might have handled their sons' birthdays. Come with me to the Well, bring a pacifier, a toy, or some diapers--and let's have fun finding out how these moms might have done it!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
Happy Birthday, Hannah's Baby Samuel!
I Will Recount God's Goodness!
Baby Samuel, do you know how badly I wanted a baby? The hurt and ache in my heart were unbearable. One day I went to the Temple and prayed with a heavy heart--I couldn't even say a word--only my lips moved, but God heard me. In due time, He sent you into our home, and Samuel, I gave you back to Him. That's why you are serving Him today in His Temple. Oh, I love you dearly, and see, today I've brought you a beautiful coat I made JUST for your birthday. You still belong to us in our hearts, Samuel, but more than that, you belong to God. And every birthday, I want you to remember the story. I remember it - oh, how I remember when my tears were turned to joy and delight at your first cry. Happy Birthday, Samuel, from a mom who will never forget what God did for me on YOUR birthday!
And I can't forget either--God's been very good to me--and to you. Let us not "rage" at the wrinkles that appear, but recount God's goodness--you'll add a few more "smile" lines to your aging features, but that's ok, for God has been good and faithful. He's taken us through the hills and valleys, the storms and sunshine, year after year--and we bless His Name!
Happy Birthday, Sarah's Baby Isaac!
I Will Renew My Commitment!
Baby Isaac, do you know how much I wanted to hold a baby in my arms? The years rolled by, the wrinkles appeared, the body wore out--and still no child. I cried myself to sleep many a night, Isaac--but one night something incredible happened. Abraham, my dear old husband, said, "Sarah, God told me that we're going to have a baby!" At 99?? You've got to be kidding, husband! And I laughed--wouldn't you?? But one day I stopped laughing with scorn and began to laugh with JOY--for I was pregnant with YOU, Isaac. We named you Isaac which means "laughter" and what joy God brought us--His promises are really true, Isaac. Oh, how I have learned that lesson! And each year you have a birthday, I re-commit my life to the God who brought me joy. Happy Birthday, Isaac, from a mom who laughs with joy and renews her pledge to BELIEVE that what God says is true!
And I believe too--I could tell you stories surrounding the birth of our two sons in later life, and you would know God is still faithful today. How could I NOT renew my commitment to a God such as I serve. He heard my prayers for children; He answered and now I'm the proud mom of two teenagers (well, most days I'm proud...grin) God has been good--forget the AGE; for I once again renew my commitment to a faithful God who's brought incredible joy into MY life--and I bless His Name!
Happy Birthday, Mary's Baby Jesus!
I Will Rejoice in My God!
Baby Jesus, do you have any idea how much I too wanted a baby--most girls do--but in due time, when I was married and it was proper! It didn't happen that way, Jesus--for YOU know that from all eternity, God planned to conceive in my body the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not my plan, Jesus--but I loved God and I submitted to His Will. And in that submission, Jesus, came a rejoicing I had not known before. I sang praises to my God and Your Father. I was overwhelmed not with panic but with praise, for I was a chosen vessel to bear YOU, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Baby Jesus, You are a special Child--to me and to the whole world. I don't understand it all, but I am filled with joy--each birthday You have, I will celebrate with song and praise to the God of my heart's delight!
And I celebrate too....can I explain the joy He's brought into my life? Can I comprehend the divine plan for my days? Never--nor can you! We serve a Lord who brings a depth of joy and delight to the human heart that no aging process can destroy. We are born into His family for all eternity--and I sing praises to His Name! Won't you join me?
Now RELAX and go enjoy that birthday of yours this year--whenever it is!!
...and that's just a word or two from my heart to yours!
His Healing Words
"But the land, to which ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven, A land which the Lord thy God careth for. The eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year (Deuteronomy 11:11,12 KJV)."
"Lord, thanks for birthdays. They're easy to handle when I focus on You--when I recount my blessings, renew my commitment, and rejoice in Your love. Help me to do that--this year and every year! In Christ's Name, Amen.
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