This is not the case for everyone but it seems a very common habit that birthdays are a day that become all about us and what everyone is doing or has to do for us ! And the day is many a time measured in stuff like how many people write on your timeline, call you up, celebrate with you, how big you went, how many gifts you got , the variables change depending on each individual, but the 'all about me' attitude seeming to take centre piece. And it has become apparent that for some people, they base need the likes of some of the above mentioned or stuff in that line to validate a good birthday and if these don't happen the way they hoped or anticipated, they end up feeling incomplete, unloved, sad and low.
Don't get me wrong, I believe it is a beautiful thing to celebrate life! It is indeed a gift from God and it is no small thing that you or those you love get to live to see yet another birthday and live out a new life with endless possibilities! Go ahead and celebrate your birthday. I know I will (although very differently from the way I used to). My issue is when birthday celebrations are intentionally or unintentionally woven into a 'selfish campaign'.
I look at this gift of life as bigger than just a gift for our own personal ambition, personal gain, personal pleasure.
This year, by God's grace, I intend to use the birthday season getting myself and a few people I know to visit the sick. To share our time, presence, smiles, joy, stories and anything we can with those currently are not fortunate to be able to carry about their normal day to day activities.
The way I see it now, every other day that you have life, means you are always in a position to bless other people, infact this should be a way of life. Blessing others does not have to only be about money and material things, it has got to be about way more than that, it means much more than that! Yes money is important and money can get a lot of things done, but what I am trying to say is giving and blessing other people also takes so many other different forms. It doesn't have to be wrapped up in the big things, more so it is in the little ordinary everyday living and being in a state always ready to think of others before self.
There is always going to be different needs all around us at any given point. In our family, in our friends lives, in our local community, in our nation, in our world. At any given point, we ourselves are also always in need in one way or another. Now here is the interesting fact, we will always have a new need or a new problem or new issues going on in our own individual lives, but when we learn how to take the focus off ourselves and off our life and its issues and put ourselves out there to help another/others in need, we experience a satisfaction from deep within that would not be solved by simply having our problem taken care of. A real true sense of happiness comes over you when you are a giver not a receiver, when you get out of your way, out of your convenience to be there for someone who cannot return the favour , with no other motive other than to simply help because there is a need.
Acts 20:35 (NLT) And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”Switching your mentality from what can they do for me to thinking what can I do for them is the best way to start. Look right around you , you will find a need, there is always someone in need and there is always a need to be met. Maybe someone you know needs an extra hand moving house, or a single parent you know could do with a few hours of a babysitter to get some other work done or even just catch a break, maybe someone just needs someone to lend them an ear and share some encouragement just when you feel like your schedule is swamped and you are busy. Maybe someone needs a warm plate of food, or their grocery shopping done or your local orphanage could do with extra hands to help out with the cooking and cleaning every now and then. I could go on and on with small or big examples but I'd prefer to leave that upto you hoping that now you and I are on the same page.
I pray that may we become a people who aim to serve as opposed to waiting and wanting to be served. That we may look at our unique situations, gifts, resources and with God's help realise what we can use that for to make a difference in other people's lives.
There will be times our giving will have to be monetary or be in the form of material things, and I am sure all of us even at our different financial levels will never feel like we have enough money. should this stop us from giving? I see that God uses giving to show and remind us that He is the one that provides for us and he is never going to force us to do it.
Deuteronomy 16:17 ( NLT)
All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)I like how Heather put it in one of her posts, I can't seem to remember which one but hey, check out her website for that and so much more amazing God filled truths!
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
- Tell the cashier to tell that car that God loves them & promises to never leave them. Or, have a business card with scriptures on it and give it the cashier for the car behind you.
- Start with your OWN family. How are you gonna help the world but you haven't helped those right in front of you?
- Stop paying full price on everything you need to buy and give that extra cash to someone in need, just look around you.
- James 3:16-17
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere
You are Blessed ...to be a Blessing! Case in point, your life and the fact that you are alive right now is a blessing in itself to be used to bless others with!
Love Ree
Ps: If you are ever in Nairobi and are looking for a church family to visit with, during your short or long stay. My church Eagle's Faith Christian Centre ( EFCC) would be privileged to host you! OR if you live in Nairobi and are looking for a church family or if you simply want to visit and send our love back to your home church family, get in touch with me for directions, or Get Directions Here !
