BIRTHDAYS ARE GOOD ANY TIME

¡Los Cumpleaños No Requieren Fechas!

By Mary Hunt Webb

Posted Monday, March 31, 2014

A photographic image of birthday glasses.

Birthdays don't have expiration dates. [Photographer: Diana. Photo courtesy of Stockvault.net.]

"I'm sorry I'm late in wishing you a Happy Birthday. I hope it was a happy one!"

How often have you heard a similar expression of sentiments?

I notice that as people mature, they are more forgiving about missed birthdays. I often hear, "That's all right! I'm still celebrating it!"

Lately, my friends and I have been extending our birthday celebrations out over a month or more to fit our schedules instead of trying to fit them into a spot on the calendar. My husband says that we are spreading out the enjoyment.

This week I gave a friend her birthday present although her birthday isn't until May. Instead of being late, I was more than a month early. However, I knew she would be very busy around her birthday so I decided to present her with her gift more than a month early. I also knew that she would have an occasion to use my gift before her birthday.

The actual date of one's birthday is not as important as the fact that the person receiving the birthday greetings is still alive.

Most of my friends agree that birthdays are about celebrating God's goodness in allowing us to remain on earth one more year to encourage others.

The Bible says it nicely in Psalm 65:11 when the psalmist acknowledges to God that, "You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance." (New King James Version)

As long as we acknowledge that our birthday celebrations are about God's goodness rather than our own ability to survive, He will continue to bless us with more birthdays!

If you have a friend whose birthday is coming up in a month or whose birthday has passed, telephone that person or send him or her a greeting card. Say, "Happy Birthday whenever it is! I'm so glad that you're still celebrating them!"

A photographic image of birthday friends.

We're happy to help you celebrate your birthday - whenever it is! [Photographer: Bakin' Fool. Photo courtesy of Stockvault.net.]

BIBLE VERSE FOR THIS POSTING

Psalm 65:11 - You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. (New King James Version)

Salmos 65:11 - Tú coronas el año con tus bienes, Y tus nubes destilan grosura. (Reina-Valera 1960)

A photographic image of lit birthday candles.

A birthday is good for the whole year - until the next one! [Photographer: Jonathan Harris. Photo courtesy of Stockvault.net.]

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