Three things to do on your birthday

Birthdays are such a special time in our lives.

It is one day when people celebrate us and even those who don’t necessarily like us, are civil. But have you ever wondered about the things to do on your birthday?

Depending on those around you, you may receive cards, gifts, and lots of good wishes. You may even get some delicious cakes although it seems people are more oft to give us virtual cards and cakes -like those will fill our hearts and stomachs.?

For anyone who is out of ideas on what to do for their big day, or is trying to avoid the stress and hassle that often comes with our special day, here are some ideas for you – these will hopefully give you some peace and leave you happier.

 

Three things to do on your birthday

 

1. Things to do on your birthday – Reflect

As the name suggests, this requires that we set out time to review our life, this could mean the last 12 months or even the last 10 years. It’s a chance to consider the things we’ve done. Both those we did well and those we didn’t do well.

More importantly, it is also a time to learn from the past and chart a course for the future. You will likely need a pen or some writing material for this.

An important question to ask is this:

Am I living my purpose?

Asking and answering this question, is the best gift you could ever give yourself. This is because a life lived outside our purpose will never be a fulfilled life.

As Christians, we have a universal purpose of living our lives to the glory of God. Basically, we have to ensure that in anything we do, we do it all to the glory of the Most-High God.

But we also have what I call our personal or specific purpose. This is about using the gifts God has given you and being in the place he wants you.

 

2. Things to do on your birthday – Retreat

I call this an “uninterrupted interaction with your spirit man”. A time to spend delving into God’s word, praying (in the spirit), and just resting in the Lord.

For my 30^th birthday, I saved up some money and went to a small island for a few days. I remember when I told a few friends about this they thought I was going mad. In fact, a few of them didn’t believe me, they thought I was going with a man but I just didn’t want to tell them about this “mysterious” man.

For one thing, they felt like going on such vacations is what couples do. Well, this single girl didn’t think so and I’m so happy I didn’t let their words and my doubt stop me from what became one of my best holidays.

It was such a wonderful time to rest in the Lord. I spent time with God without distractions since I didn’t know anyone and I also did some lovely sightseeing.

The idea of a retreat doesn’t mean you have to travel to achieve it. No! For my 32^nd birthday, which I just celebrated, I asked for 3 hours of uninterrupted time to spend with God and I must say that it was a fruitful exercise (I also dozed off a bit but I somehow felt God was okay with that).

 

3. Things to do on your birthday – Give thanks

I have written quite a bit on gratitude as I believe it’s a game changer in our Christian race. Apostle Paul tells us to:

“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I believe that gratitude opens doors for us, it is God’s will that we are grateful, that we appreciate all he has done for us, even when it’s bad, even when we don’t understand it. That we are reminded of his promises that it will all work for our good if we love and trust him. See Romans 8:28

Give thanks in uncertainty, in fear, even if you’re scared of getting older, of not getting married or not having kids. Our loving father has told us:

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

I absolutely love this verse and I speak it into my life at every turn as it gives me solace and reminds me that God has a plan for each of us and we need to not only trust that it will be for our good but thank him for loving us unconditionally.

 

Making the most of your birthday

These three suggestions are things you can incorporate into every birthday.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a birthday party or spend time with your family and friends. Not at all.

It just means that before anyone else, your birthday should be a day where you intentionally spend time with yourself and with God. Make it a priority and you find yourself happier and more content.

I pray that you have many more beautiful birthdays ahead and more than that, that you never forget to spend that day with God and to also spend it with yourself.

You’re dearly loved. Never forget that.