I have often wondered why we celebrate children on their birthday instead of their moms. When I think of my birthday, the first thing that pops into my head is, "Which one did I birth?" Oh, that's right, me. This was my journey into the world. I was not a victim of birth control. (It was the 70s.) I was not miscarried. (There was a family history of it.) I was born perfectly safe and sound into a loving family. (Even that was not a guarantee, I have heard.) It sounds more like I should celebrate hitting the jackpot.
When I was young, I was treated like a princess on my birthday. Even my grumpy older brother was in attendance! My sister always wished me a happy birthday on the day, while my grumpy older brother could wait for the party on the following Saturday. Birthday parties have always been a celebration of family being together with the friends I had adopted along the way. It is the, "We made it! We came through the hardships of this world together! I couldn't have done it without you!" Happy Birthday! and Thank you for coming! have acquired the new meanings of Thank you for being my friend and thank you for being mine.
Today is the day I have the opportunity to appreciate those whom I birthed and those who birthed me. Every person in my life has changed me, formed me, and made me into the person I am today. Thank you for making me better than I was before we met. Thank you for helping me through the difficult times and sharing my joys. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of doing the same for you.
These are the ones who have survived the great tribulation. They have washed their robes clean in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 7:14
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