Greetings!
On October 18, I will celebrate another year that God has given to me. It is indeed a time for reflection, celebration and gratitude.
First, a birthday is a time for reflection.
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
In our lives, birthdays provide a unique opportunity for reflection. Just as the psalmist says in Psalm 90:12, they allow us to number our days and gain wisdom.
On our birthdays, we should take time to reflect on the past year, acknowledging the blessings, challenges, and growth that we have experienced. It is a time to assess where we have been and where we are headed. There can be lessons learned if we engage in doing reflection.
Second, a birthday is a time for celebration.
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Birthdays are a time for celebration, as Psalm 118:24 reminds us. God has given us the gift of life, and we should rejoice in the day He has made.
Celebrating birthdays allows us to acknowledge the goodness of God, the love of family and friends, and the joy of life itself. It is a time to share love and laughter with those we hold dear. It is a time to celebrate the blessings of God.
Third, a birthday is a time to express gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude is a vital aspect of birthdays. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances, and birthdays are no exception. We should express gratitude for the gift of life, for the people who surround us, and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Gratitude can lead to a deeper appreciation of God’s grace and the meaningful life He has granted us. When you are thankful, you acknowledge that everything around you is by God’s grace alone.
So, birthdays are more than just a date on the calendar; they are moments for reflection, celebration, and gratitude. By embracing these aspects of our birthday, we can grow spiritually, strengthen our relationships, and honor the Creator who gave us the gift of life.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications