When the candles on the cake outnumber the slices, birthdays can lose their appeal. Some women ignore them. Others choose to lie about their age. I propose we take a different approach and count them as another Thanksgiving Day.
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving conjures up a day of leisure for most Americans. We think of feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie. Many watch football, But for those who follow Jesus, at some point, we become aware that God manifests His goodness to us daily. That even the unpleasant things He allows for our good; we realize that “in everything” we should give thanks “for this is the will of God” for us (Thessalonians 5:18)—including another trip around the sun.
Birthdays provide the perfect opportunity for thanksgiving celebrations. That’s why you’re reading a blog about thanksgiving in May. The Lord of life appointed my arrival into the world on May 28th, six decades ago. This year I celebrated being twenty for the third time—and it was a charm, thanks to Jesus.
The One who knit me together in my mother’s womb altered my celebration plans to include my mom, a blessing I had not foreseen last year when I began thinking about how I wanted to celebrate. Throughout the years I’ve walked with God, I found His plans are always better than mine, and for that, I say, thank You, Father!
Initially, I planned for three separate celebrations, one for each increment of twenty (I like parties). So, I booked a place to gather with three of my oldest friends. We had our babies together over thirty years ago, but the Spirit has scattered us across the country since then.
Thank You, Lord, for these dear women and all the years of friendship we’ve enjoyed!
I picked Savannah because one of these women was born and raised there and because I had lived in Georgia for a summer when I was a small child and had fond memories of Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss. I wanted to see it again. I asked all three if they could afford the time and travel—and we picked a date.
Thank You, Jesus, for coordinating our calendars!
The second celebration I had in mind was one for just the Lord and me. I wanted to take a long road trip, see places I’d lived in the southeast, and catch up with other friends God transplanted there.
Thank You, Lord, for the many places You taught me to call home and the beautiful friendships You created in each location.
The plan was for me to drive to Georgia to meet up with my friends. Bringing my car would save us the expense of renting one. But I couldn’t plan for the death of my mom’s dear roommate and the dislocation that would cause her. Mom’s dilemma resulted in her staying with us. When the date for my trip to Savannah came around, I couldn’t leave her and my husband alone for my two-week road trip. Mom doesn’t cook, and my husband’s a pastor who often puts in sixty-hour weeks. The three of us discussed our situation. We decided I would fly to Georgia and just be gone for a couple of days.
Thank You, Lord for stretching me and teaching me to be flexible when things don’t go as I plan.
As it turned out, Cindy, my friend from Savannah, had come out early to visit her folks and already rented a car. I’m thankful God had her do the driving, not me. Cindy’s driving freed me up to enjoy sightseeing while she served as our tour guide. God provided perfect weather—low 80’s and lower humidity. Cindy remarked, “We only get about two days a year like this, and these are the two days!” The Lord opened magnolias and filled the air with the scent of gardenias and jasmine. We strolled the river front and sampled warm pralines. Went to Tybee Island, hiked the light house, played on the beach, and ate fresh shrimp.
Thank You, Father, for delightful smells, tastes, and sights!
I let my road trip idea go. I hoped I might be able to do it after my mom left. I also spent a lot of time in prayer, asking God to direct my steps.
Then it became evident that it was time for my mom to move on to her next destination, Houston, TX, where she planned to live with my middle daughter. I asked my mom if she felt like taking the long way to Houston and making the trip with me. Bill, my protective husband, felt better about me not traveling alone. So, just a week before our departure date, I drew out a route and made reservations. I had my husband’s blessing and God’s clear leading.
I Praise You, God, for Your good hand upon me!
Not only did God allow my celebration of people and places, but He also allowed it to be a double celebration of my birthday and my mom’s labor day. It was a joy taking a 3,400ish mile road trip with my eighty-five-year-old mama. It may be the last travel we enjoy together. The Lord also aligned the calendars of the five friends I hoped to visit on that excursion, and I met with every one of them–including my best friend from junior high that I hadn’t seen in forty-six years!
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for doing exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ask or think.
Life is good. The years God gives us are worthy of celebrating but let’s be mindful that the point of celebrating is to give God thanks because He authors our lives and provides for all our days.
Thank You, Lord!
So, what of the third twentieth party? Originally, I hoped to gather my children and celebrate with my family.
Father, I am most thankful for giving me a godly, loving, and generous husband and the satisfying relationships I enjoy with each of my adult children and their families.
But maybe two is plenty. I’ll leave that to Him. I love surprises.
On your next birthday, how will you give thanks?
