Birthday Blues

My birthday is coming up on November 21 and for a number of years, I didn’t really like that day. It was just another day that marked a year of not having what I thought I’d have by now. As soon as the month of November rolled around, I’d become overwhelmed and sad. People would ask what I’d like for my birthday or ask about my birthday plans and I’d respond, “nothing really”.  I’m pretty positive I’m not the only one who has ever felt that way when it came to birthdays and now that I think about it; that was such a selfish way of thinking. Given the opportunity to experience another birthday is a blessing but for some of us, we’ve viewed it as a curse. It is true that we get older and not younger but if you are believing God for something and it has not manifested yet, just hold on because your best years are ahead of you. His word said that,

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” 1Corinthians 2:9 NKJV.

If things currently aren’t the way you imagined it would be, rest assured God’s still writing your story.

Age is truly nothing but a number. We say this a lot but when it comes down to achievements and accomplishments, age is not a factor when God is involved. We are all running our own race, yet we stumble when we try comparing our techniques and routes to those around us. Your parents were married by the age of twenty-two but if God has orchestrated the plan for you to meet your spouse at the age of thirty, will you make it your business to find someone to marry by the age of twenty-five instead? Yeah you may find a partner, but you could be settling for less instead of God’s best for your life. Sure, all of your friends are in their careers now making a ton of money but what if God has you in a season of preparation. Will you continue to burn yourself out by pushing for a job He hasn’t called you to? You thought by this age you’d have three children but what if God has predestined you to have your first child three years from now; you can’t rush the process.

Look, I get it. I truly do. But we can’t get so caught up in worrying about the things we ourselves can’t change. Getting older and age being one of them. Worry about nothing and pray about everything. Instead of viewing birthdays as a time to reminisce on the things you don’t have and thought you should have or done by now, praise God for making it through the year and for making it one year closer to that desire or dream you have.

Don’t look at your failures but reflect on your accomplishments throughout the year. Each year, you should be doing something conducive to personal growth. Focus on that aspect. I look back and I’m like, “Wow!!! this time last year I didn’t have this much peace.” That in itself is enough to be thankful for because Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to,

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

God granting me peace after so much chaos allowed me to be content in my current situation. It even gave me the strength to step away from somethings and people that were weighing me down which has resulted in tremendous personal growth.

I believe one of the greatest gifts God has given us is the gift of life. The present gift, as well as the eternal gift for those who believe. Each day we wake up, we are presented with the gift of life and it’s up to us to accept it as such. So on your birthday, instead of rejecting the gift and Returning it to Sender, wake up and decide to unwrap and actually enjoy the greatest gift given to you by God.