Yesterday was my birthday. 59 good ones.
My daughter lovingly revealed that “59 is almost 60.” She’s impatient.
I’m of the age that presents are something I buy throughout the year, on my own. The new set of Pings no exception. Except my wife declared those “birthday, Father’s Day, and Christmas for a couple of years.” Alas.
Birthdays have become more about presence than presents. Reflections full of imperfection. Mental YouTubes featuring family and friends, accomplishments and failures, wins and losses.
Mine often replay ministry moments. Some official, like baptisms, weddings, funerals. Others, simple conversations, laughter and tears. All with Jesus in the mix.
Big buckets of joy, with small, sober saucers of disappointment.
It’s a great birthday when your video channel is more populated by joy than regret.
It’s a great birthday when celebrated in Jesus, the God who works all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.