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This coming Wednesday I will turn 35. When I was a kid I used to resent the timing of my birthday. December 30th is not the best day to be born if you're hoping for a truck-load of presents. I used to get presents that said, "Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday." I thought that was a criminal act. But that's just the way it works. Five days after Christmas people are either tired of shopping or broke. And the day before New Year's Eve no one really wants another party.
So I used to think that I had the worst birthday possible.
But I don't think that anymore. I don't resent my birthday anymore. In fact, I actually like it. And the reason I like it is because I've found spiritual benefit in the timing of my birthday.
Having my birthday and New Year's so close helps me to feel more acutely the passing of time. And that's very good for my soul because I need to be reminded that I'm getting older. I need to be reminded that I have a limited amount of time on this earth.
That's why every year I have a little birthday tradition: I study Psalm 90--a Psalm that helps me meditate on the fleeting nature of life. And as I look ahead to a new year I ask God to give me a heart of wisdom.
This past Sunday, the final Sunday of 2009, I brought my church into my end-of-year meditation and preached from Psalm 90. In my message I asked the question, "What have we learned from the year 2009?" and considered how a heart of wisdom is cultivated. You can listen to the message, here.
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thanks Josh for the post. i actually share the same birthday (although I have been around many more years, i will turn 52 this year). this is a great idea to take Psalm 90 as a birthday meditation. i will listen to you message later -- i am sure i will benefit from it.
thank you also for all your huge personal investment into CLC, Sovereign Grace and NEXT. We thank God for you!
Thanks for the post. I haven't listened to the sermon yet (I'm heading there after this comment), but I know what you mean about becoming more aware of the passing of time.
Also, since my dad's birthday is on the 18th of December, I've experienced the same December birthday issues, though not as much as you have... the day before New Year's Eve and AFTER Christmas must have been tough. Reminds me of that song, "Children of December" by The Slip.
Anyway, happy birthday, Josh. You're a blessing to us.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Thanks for revisiting this topic which is always timely and relevant in our post modern westernized culture. We can't be remind enough of what is truly important and what is of eternal value.
"Having my birthday and New Year's so close helps me to feel more acutely the passing of time. And that's very good for my soul because I need to be reminded that I'm getting older. I need to be reminded that I have a limited amount of time on this earth."
Very true, and I have never thought of it that way before. My birthday IS new year's day, and all my life I have enjoyed having my birthday on that day, despite the occasional combined gifts that people speak of - actually, to think of it, I didn't really get that too much. :)
Josh,
When I turned 35 the thought hit me that if its true what they say about life expectancy. I would have 35 more years left, Lord willing. Things you say and do and the people in your life mean more now than they ever have. Blessings on you.
Happy birthday, Josh. May the years ahead be even more fruitful and blessed than the previous ones!
John 15:16 (Amp) You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
Thanks for the the post - it's an important thought for the start of the new year.
Haha, thank you, Josh. I share the same birthday too and I totally share the same thoughts as you. Similar frustrations on the gifts, but grateful for the timing of it all--especially on gratefulness and reflection on the new year. :)
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