I do not remember a time in my life that I was not close with my mom. As a little girl we got to go to Goldings, a toy store in Wilmington, and look around. One day I was in there days before my mom's birthday and I saw a diamond ring! I wanted that for my mom so bad! I saved my fifty cents a week allowance and so I had two dollars! I think the ring was right under $2 so it was going to break me but my momma was worth it! I was so excited to buy that diamond ring. I know she was excited but probably not as excited as I was. That night she had a meeting at church and as she walked out the door, I realized she did not have her diamond ring on. Knowing she had forgotten, I reminded her and she put it on so she could show it off!
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of special gifts than my mom. I can never repay her for all of the love, support, unconditional love that she shows my family and I. The best gift I can give her is time. Not even a diamond ring would be worth the memories we make! Ecclesiastes 11: 8, "She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her."
Psalm 71: 6-8, "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long." A birthday is an excellent time reflect on how special you are to God. You are special because you are unique and precious in His eyes. And He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. If we accept the gift of salvation we get to live in joy and live with Him forever.
Birthdays are a reminder of how our heavenly Father knew us before we were in our mother's womb. The Lord gave us gifts for us to use for His purpose. Jeremiah 1: 5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Job 13: 15, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face."
Job reflected on his limited days. He knew God was the author of life and death. He knew His Creator knew the number of breaths he would breathe. Even though Job knew only God knew how long he had to live, he chose to worship Him and trust Him with his life. Proverbs 4: 10-13, "Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." As each birthday comes we should want to grow in grace and in knowledge of the Lord. Each year we should grow closer to God in our relationship.
Solomon reminds us to enjoy all the years of our lives! We are to appreciate the times of joy and sorrow in a positive light: Ecclesiastes 11: 8, "However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all..."
As I thank God for loving me so unconditionally and for all of His grace and mercy I thank Him for my mom and this special day that she was born. Birthday blessings, Mom!