Birthday Wishes
Growing up in a family that values spending quality time for special occasions such as birthdays is truly remarkable, if not rewarding.
I remember that when I was younger, I get super excited when birthdays came. It meant we can do something special like: out of town trips, eating out, watching movies, going to different places, swimming, etc, etc. It is basically doing an activity (or activities) that the celebrant delights in as a family.
As I grew older, it became a tradition. And as responsible adults, my siblings and I, spend money on our respective birthdays to treat the whole family. It's our way of giving back to our dedicated parents mostly and any excuse to bond as a family is most welcome.
Celebrating birthdays in this season is a novelty for me. Each year, we found 'creative' ways to commemorate birthdays. For us, it doesn't have to be extravagant. (That's an added bonus if it is). It could be simple and cheap as long as it is enjoyable and memorable for everyone. And again, it has to be meaningful for the celebrant.
This year is the most exceptional to date.
Birthdays were celebrated A P A R T. We cannot afford to be with each other physically due to the lockdown. It is not for lack of trying on our part but it is more of being obedient to existing rules to keep one another safe.
Despite this slight change on how we celebrate birthdays, I am thankful because my family, my parents especially, instilled this to us. That we never forget to be grateful for the gift of L-I-F-E no matter the circumstances are.
Birthdays are a perfect opportunity to make endless selfish wishes. You are excused to make 'excessive' demands because it is your special day. (Or is it just me? 😱).
Birthday wishes are special in a sense that it can be anything. From subtle demands to deepest fantasies. It could be a crazy desire or a random thought for a far-off or in the near future. (P. S. Let your imagination run wild and free! Go crazy! 😉)
Birthday wishes for the celebrant from loved ones are precious too. Because you will know their deepest (and grandest) aspiration for you. It shows how well people know you. It is a show of affection. It is a gift in itself as it is a heartfelt, sincere desire from someone you share mutual respect with. (P. P. S. I feel giddy warmth and love from well wishes during birthdays, especially mine, in short I get kilig 😍😍😍).
And so, for this year, my birthday wish is not a selfish desire. My wish is that every broken heart will be healed. Every wound will mend and every suffering will be replaced by gladness in His perfect time. I pray for healing, recovery and restoration. I pray that your losses will be gains soon. For those who are grieving, I pray for comfort. I pray for each heart to grow more compassion and understanding. I pray we learn to put more value to things that are most essential. I pray that we all come out of this situation hopeful still. Whatever you dream of, claim it. Never be afraid to start again. Get up, rise up, dress up. Each day is another birthday to celebrate! May the Lord bless us all!
Have a slice of virtual cake! 🍰
