A Birthday Means You Made It!

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b NIV)

My son just turned one year old! I can’t believe it’s been a year. I remember holding the tiny, squalling baby the night he was born and feeling both completely in love and completely overwhelmed. Since then we’ve endured many sleepless nights, hours of rocking and shushing, and untold moments of joy and cuteness. Celebrating his birthday is a reminder of how far he’s come and we’ve come, and that everyone survived!

Just as we are so glad that our son turned one, and yet are also anxious for him to keep growing up and marking milestones, so goes our walk with God. He is delighted at every step we take, every forward motion, every little humorous moment. I imagine his photo book of all the cute things we did, even sometimes when we failed or fell down and it was still cute. He loves us right where we are, and he can’t wait to watch us grow up even more.

One of my friends in college used to celebrate his “Jesus birthday” – the anniversary of the day on which he got saved. I thought that was a great idea! For those who remember a specific day when you put their faith in Christ, it’s a great opportunity to look back on where you were then and how far you’ve come. You’ve made it this far and God’s not done with you yet!

Take a moment to think back over your life. I’m sure it’s had ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Through it all, God has been present. Once or twice in my life, I’ve taken the time to really remember my journey of faith and write it down, and I’ve found it more rewarding than I expected to see it all laid out in front of me. Whether to celebrate Easter, on an anniversary of conversion, or as a small group – whatever the reason, find an occasion for this journey down memory lane. You’ll be glad you did.