CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF LIFE

As I get older (though I’m still 23!), I have grown to appreciate the once-a-year day we get to celebrate our birth.

I believe our lives are a gift

from and to God and to one another, whom 

we have the privilege of sharing

this journey of life with

through God’s perfect orchestrations.

 

More recently, for me, it is most meaningful to spend a little time celebrating my life with those who have impacted my faith journey through “Celebrate Christine” gatherings. The greatest gift for me personally is hearing how my simple, ordinary life has touched others and maybe encouraged them in some way. Since this year was a milestone birthday, it was the second time I held a local “Celebrate Christine” event as well as with a group of people further away who are ‘family’ to me.

 

 

For the events, the first year I asked for the ‘present’ of people sharing a note of encouragement or something they loved about me, and this year I asked for a special memory of us. Those truly mean the most to me and refresh my spirit. Isn’t it important to share with people how their lives have impacted us and blessed us while we are still alive on this earth? Especially in the first year, reading what people wrote brought me to tears. I was graced with love reading about the goodness people see in me.

God made each of us unique, with no two of us exactly alike! Isn’t that pretty amazing? We all have different journeys and experiences that shape who we are. Some are good and some aren’t, but they are all valuable in shaping us. We can share with one another, be supportive, and walk hand-in-hand with one another through the ups and downs of life.

 

 

Birthdays make me reflect on how our lives…

…are an offering to God.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. –Romans 12:1 (MSG)

Don’t we often think God isn’t found in the ordinary, mundane of our lives? I believe the opposite is true. God is always working in our simple, ordinary lives. He sends us messages of His love and presence through the ordinary in life. All that we are and all that we do is our offering back to God for His goodness.

…are sacred.

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.” –Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

Isn’t it amazing to know that God knew us before we were even born? God, in His infinite wisdom, has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. We have the privilege of working with God to carry out His purposes as our lives reflect His glory! We all share in the Kingdom’s work.

…impact every other life we meet.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” –Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

Because of God in us, we have the responsibility to shine His light into the lives of all we meet. Lights are made to dispel the darkness. The impact of our lives on each other should shine His radiance on all, which in turn gives more glory to God.

…are filled with blessings from God.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. –2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

God’s grace in our lives provides all that we need to live fruitful lives. We can do good things for others because of God. He provides exactly what we need, whether spiritual or worldly, at the proper time for our good.

 

 

As I stop to reflect on each “Celebrate Christine” event, I am so grateful for each person there and the gift they are in my life. It was fun to think of each person and remember how God orchestrated our intersecting paths. And, my dear reader, I feel the same about you! This quote sums it up perfectly:

 

For each person reading these words, accept my heartfelt message to you,

“Thank you for being a part of my life which makes it a special day. You have impacted my life, and I am filled with joy because of the gift you are.”

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…offer the gift of you to God.

…know your life is sacred.

…shine God’s light on those you encounter.

…thank God for the blessings He sends every day.

 

REFLECTION:

Who can you bless by sharing the impact their life has had on yours?
What is one way you can shine God’s light on someone this week?

 

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty;  I’ll study at his feet. –Psalm 27:4 (MSG)