Today I’m another year older.
I’m not a big fan of birthdays. It has nothing to do with spotlighting the fact that we’re aging. I just think it’s kind of silly that we focus so much attention on celebrating the fact that we each survived another calendar year.
It seems like more attention should be given to anniversaries. Maintaining a healthy marriage requires hard work. I could easily coast to another birthday. Celebrating another anniversary, though, is a reflection of an intentional investment in a relationship and faithfulness over a long period time. To me, that’s worth a celebration.
Unfortunately, we don’t throw surprise anniversary parties for each other. We don’t bake cakes. We don’t send each other cards and gifts. The only time we throw a party is if we make it to 50 years. Seems like we should be celebrating and encouraging each other at years 9 and 36 as well.
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your birthday notes. I enjoy hearing from my friends and family. At the risk of getting only a chunk of coal in my birthday stocking, I don’t want you thinking it’s a day for “Bah, humbug!”
Just know that when I blow out the candles, I’m celebrating my most cherished relationships–particularly with my wife–rather than another acknowledgement that it’s October 6.
Photo Credit: chelsearoberson via Compfight cc