Yet another candle on my Birthday Cake - (that makes 63)
While living under the care of a Timeless God!
Yesterday I celebrated another one, right on schedule. There’s something sacred—and slightly hilarious—about celebrating another birthday when you follow a God who doesn’t age, doesn’t forget, doesn’t need shoes you can step into, doesn’t need a mini pharmacy in the cupboard, and doesn’t need reading glasses to see your future.
While we’re busy counting candles and wondering if we can still eat cake after 8 p.m. without consequences, God is gently reminding us: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
That verse isn’t just poetic. It’s practical. It’s God’s way of saying, “Hey, life’s short. Don’t just count the years—make the years count.” And let’s be honest, some of us are better at counting calories than counting blessings. But birthdays are a great time to pause and reflect on both (the years and the blessings, that is - not the calories).
We live in a world of expiration dates—on milk, on coupons, and yes, on our earthly lives. However, we serve a God who exists beyond time. He’s not surprised by your age, your gray hairs, or your sudden interest in orthopedic shoes. In fact, He knew all about you before your first birthday bash. (wish he would have warned me about a few things)
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” — Psalm 139:16 (ESV)
That means my life and your life aren’t random. They’re authored. Every birthday is a footnote in a divine story, and God is the kind of writer who never forgets a character arc.
TOWARD A THEOLOGY OF BIRTHDAYS
Celebrating a birthday under God’s care isn’t about pretending we’re younger than we are. It’s about embracing the wisdom that comes with each year. It’s about laughing at the absurdity of aging while trusting the One who never changes.
So go ahead—eat the cake, wear the silly hat, and thank God that you’ve made it this far. Not because you’re lucky, but because you’re loved. (on second thought ditch the silly hat)
And if you’re feeling a little existential about turning another year older, remember this:
“Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” — Matthew 10:30 (ESV)
Which is comforting… unless, like me, you’re losing them. This proves just how intimately God knows us, for he is constantly needing to update the count.
Just a note to show you I even had a good share of wisdom 40 years ago - Shirley and I celebrate our anniversary the day after my birthday…. I have not forgotten one yet! Tomorrow marks 39 years of Marriage - Yes God still does miracles! (just ask Shirley)
<><Pastor Craig