Birthdays (Why and How to Celebrate)

It's this guy's birthday today. He's not necessary big on celebration, but I am. And since he married me, we're going to celebrate.

Why do I believe celebration is important?

Because life is short. We never know how long God will give us on this earth, so we should celebrate every day. Birthdays are another year of life past and an opening year before us. Why should we not look forward to that?

Because people matter. We live in a fast paced society where we often neglect to tell the people we love that they matter to us. Birthdays are unique to that person and grant opportunity to reflect on what a special someone means.

Because life is a gift. Sometimes we give gifts on birthdays, sometimes we don't. But a birthday is a gift from God, first in the form of a new life, and then in the form of years of living after that. Birthdays are a time we can give thanks to God.

How can we celebrate birthdays?

Birthdays often get overrated and overdone. I don't think that has to be the case. Celebrate big if you want, but also celebrate small. Just emphasize the importance of the day. Here are some suggestions of ways to do that:

Write on their Faceboook wall or send them a message. Facebook tells us when friend's birthdays are, for crying out loud. So this takes little work, but can mean a lot.

Send an e-mail or a text. Yes, this takes a little more work, but can still bless the person's day.

Better yet, call the birthday girl or boy! What a concept! We can actually talk on our texting devices. Yes, people aren't always able to answer the phone, but even a voicemail greeting could bless a person.

Drop a note or card in the mail. Yes, the postal service still works. I personally like sending cards because of how tangible they are. (And it gives me reason to make cards, which I like to do.)

Tell the birthday person what they mean to you. Maybe in person, or maybe via one of the ways above. Just let them know they matter.

Have a special meal. Growing up, my mom let us pick a birthday dinner. It did not have to be extravagant, but we got to pick one of our favorite meals from the normal lineup. That made the day feel special. Going out to dinner or a meal is another option, but not always necessary.

Eat cake (or not). Consider a special treat. Maybe cake's not their thing, but maybe they'd like an extra good cup of coffee. Or a special steak seasoning. Food is a way to celebrate and we can find something that works for every person, dietary restrictions included.

Consider giving a gift. I put this last because it's optional, and honestly, gifts don't mean a lot to some people. But if you have funds and want to give, go for it.

Birthdays matter. Life matters. People matter. So let's celebrate!

(And happy birthday to my beloved. I look forward to celebrating you this day and every day for the gift of God you are to me.)