If God Gives Me Another 365

It’s my birthday! How should we view our birthday?

As usual, I think deep. I reflect. I evaluate. I ask myself a few hard questions that matter more than cake and candles.

God just gave me a full year. 365 days. What did I do with them? What kind of steward was I of my time, my body, my money, my relationships, my calling?

Not everyone gets another birthday. Some of the people I love didn’t make it to this year. Their chair is empty. Their voice is silent. God called them home. That alone stops me in my tracks. Why am I still here?

The Psalmist said, “Our lifetime is seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. But the years are full of hard work and pain. They pass quickly, and then we are gone” (Psalm 90:10 NCV).

James reminded us, “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. Your life is like a fog. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. So you should say, ‘If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:14-15 NCV).

So I don’t just celebrate my birthday. I ask the bigger questions. If I get another 365, what should I do with them?

I’ve found it helpful to evaluate six key areas of life:

Spiritual – Am I walking closely with God, in step with the Spirit, listening and obeying?

Physical – Am I honoring God with how I care for my body?

Educational – Am I learning God’s Word and growing in wisdom, not just knowledge?

Family – Am I loving, serving, forgiving, and being present with those closest to me?

Professional – Am I using my work to glorify God, to serve others with excellence and integrity?

Social – Am I building and enjoying friendships, being honest, helpful, and fun to be around?

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second command is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There are no commands more important than these” (Mark 12:30-31 NCV).

That’s my birthday goal. Love God. Love people. Set goals. Have deadlines.

Keep growing. Confess when I blow it. Repent and Seek Forgiveness and receive grace. Laugh more. Slow down. Relax. Have fun along the way.

Because every day is a bonus day.

We make the plans, but “the Lord decides where our steps will take us” (Proverbs 16:9 NCV).

Last advice - if you have messed up - it’s all good. Just stop, draw a line in the sand, write “Start” and give it your best to finish well. And when you mess up again - and you will - just draw another.

And when you are older, you will look back and see all the lines. You still won’t be where you want, but you won’t be where you were.

Love you guys - thank you for my birthday wish. I’m going to try to use my wish well.

So Lord, thank you for another year. Direct my steps. Keep me from stepping into a mess. Help me finish well. I love you. Help me love others well. IJNIP amen ♥️