Everyone has one. But we all celebrate our birthdays differently, if at all. But much more than celebrating the actual day of our birth, it seems birthdays are a great opportunity to honor and bless each other in unique and personal ways.
Generally speaking, holidays are special days to commemorate and remember, to acknowledge and to express our gratitude for various persons, events, and milestones throughout life.
And, to be sure, marketers regularly capitalize on our many holidays to entice us to spend more. But this shouldn’t minimize the importance of each day.
And this remains true when it comes to our birthdays.
For some, birthdays are an excuse for selfish indulgences and an opportunity to be the center of attention. While we might overlook this immaturity in children, it seems quite unbecoming in adults.
But there’s still something meaningful in having our own special day.
Of course, we can readily participate in all our major cultural holidays. And it’s nice to be honored as a father, celebrate the passions of romantic love, and mark our growing years of marriage.
But it’s our unique self that’s honored on our birthday – not the roles we play or the relationships we’re a part of, but our very selves.
And every so often it’s good to simply be seen and affirmed for who we are. And in keeping with our uniqueness, this might not include the traditional cake, singing, and presents.
It’s the person that matters and not the external trappings.
And so to truly celebrate we must come to know the deep soul of the other.
What makes them come alive, honors the unique ways God has crafted them, and expresses gratitude for their personal and unique ways of being in the world?
Don’t miss an opportunity to love personally. Use birthdays to honor and bless each other’s unique personhood.
Photo by Sergei Solo on Unsplash
