My uncle wished me a happy birthday on facebook and said, "make it count". An interesting comment when I first read it, but a true challenge. Every day, month, and year that we are given is for a reason, so we should make it count. Knowing my uncle, he did not mean to "make it count" as in "live it up", but rather make it count for the Kingdom of God.
I've often found Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Do Everything", that came out last summer, a real faith booster for me. Based on 1 Corinthians 10:31
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
I made up some lyrics that fit very roughly with the bridge for those of us physically suffering.
[my lyrics]
Maybe your looking out the window
Wondering what's the purpose of this pain
Or maybe your missing your son's game
For the Fifteenth time this year
Maybe your laying in the bed
Watching the world pass you by
[Chapman's lyrics]
Anywhere and everywhere that you are
Whatever you do
It all matters
So do what you do
Don't ever forget
To do everything you do to the glory of the one
Cause He made you to do
Everything little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace as you do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do
That's my prayer this year. No matter the challenges and trials that come I pray God would help me to do everything, even if it feels like nothing, to His glory. Because even lying in bed in pain matters to Him and through that I can bring God glory by His grace. So today, while my life at 30 looks much different than I ever anticipated, I'm praising the giver of true life for another year to serve Him!
So thankful for my sweet husband who threw me an almost surprise 30th birthday party tonight! :)
A very Happy Birthday! I hope you were able to enjoy the party & aren't paying too much for it after. That must have been a wonderful (almost) surprise!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that we were so close in age. I'm turning 30 in 2 weeks time & the getting older doesn't bother me either, I think illness puts it into perspective. Also I've been sick for most of my twenties so I'm actually looking forward to maybe having a better time in my thirties?!
Thank you for this blog post. Its a good reminder for me to have around this time! I also wanted to encourage you that you are making it count. You make it count every time you post on this blog. I am often so encouraged, or challenged, or just feel less alone when I read your blog. So thank you for that! And I hope & pray that God will bless you & your family so much this coming year, and especially that he will bring healing to your pain.
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement Miriam! I hope you have a wonderful birthday as well and that this year is full of blessings and joy in the Lord!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. 30 is still so young. Re your uncle's comment, I think age gives the perspective that time on this planet is finite. That's why those mid-life crisis creep up on you...But you're light years away from that. It helps me to try and keep focused on the present when I realize the present will soon be the past.
ReplyDelete