Grateful Birthday

Each year I am amazed by the thoughtfulness of others for my birthday. I get messages from childhood friends, college roommates, and extended family around the world. With all that love, the reality is I did not have a great start to my birthday this year. I woke up grumpy and tired but a lot of little things happened that I did not expect…

I was blessed all day without recognizing the blessings until I took time to be still. I had good prayer time with my son on the way to his first day back to school. We prayed for the students, teachers, staff, and administrators to have a safe and successful year. The traffic was smooth sailing throughout the day even driving across town with front row parking everywhere I went. My doctor’s appointment was great, in and out. I found two pairs of shoes that comfortably fit my complaining feet and they were on sale. I had my watch batteries replaced, usually $25 each, but this time they were free - covered by warranty. I was treated to a delicious, impromptu brunch with a former colleague and my mother-in-love cooked one of my favorite dinners…the one only she can make.

Reflecting on these moments, I paused realizing the birthday blessings taking place all around me. I let the reality sink in that I probably have more birthdays behind me than in front of me. How dare I not be grateful today!

After my refocus, I experienced the best part…asking God to show me who I could bless today? On my way home, I stopped by the store. As I stood in the grocery line, I saw a lady in front of me taking time to count out her money then leaving items on the belt. She walked away before I could intervene. The cashier pulled her items off the belt and set them aside.

Suddenly, the lady reappeared at the register as I was checking out. YES! This was my opportunity to partner with God and I was so thankful because she did not have enough money and I had enough to share. I told the cashier to put the lady’s items back on the belt. The lady tried to refuse but I wouldn’t allow it. I knew I was supposed to help and I was not about to miss out a second time. After the purchase, she placed her items in her cart then waited. As I walked by, she asked for a hug, embracing me with tears in her eyes as I held back my own and smiled at her. With humility and gratitude, she said “God bless you.” I thought to myself, He already has. It is more blessed to give than receive.

This lady did not know it was my birthday. She did not know how I was feeling or how I started my day. She actually thought I was blessing her when all along God was using this moment to bless me. What a beautiful birthday gift! I felt lighter after our exchange. My mood shifted from this one act of unselfishness, compassion, and kindness. Who says my birthday has to be all about me…now that is a revelation!

In Chapter 5 "Passage of Traditions and Ceremonies" of Rites of Passage: Raising Sons to be Men of Standard, I share how my birthdays were not celebrated much throughout my life and I was not bothered by that fact. Today, I saw my birthday differently. I think an intentional act of kindness each year will be my new birthday tradition because giving is truly the best birthday present ever!

#Kindness

#Gratitude

#Giving

#Birthday