Happy Birthday!
April was/is a big birthday month for my family. Both of my parents, my youngest son, my grandmother, my brother-in-law, and my only niece were born in April. Through the years we often got together at some point to celebrate these special days.
It’s funny. Once her two grandchildren were born in April, my mom pretty much quit counting her own birthdays. It was not out of vanity. She wasn’t attempting to remain “39” forever. She simply said that she wanted the focus to be on the children. Her birthday didn’t matter anymore.
In late July we are scheduled to welcome a granddaughter into the Butler family. It is at least possible that she could be born on my birthday. One day I was “pressuring” my daughter-in-law to make things happen on that day, and Lillie, my first granddaughter said, “But Papa Brad. You don’t want her to be born on your birthday. Everybody will forget about yours.”
I smiled and replied, “That would be the best birthday gift I could ever receive.” And I meant it. If I am “relegated” for the rest of my life to spending my birthday celebrating a precious little girl I will be quite satisfied. And even if we are a couple of days off in either direction, I will still do the same.
Isn’t it funny? I’m already excited to sacrifice for a yet unborn baby girl. But on so many occasions, I’m not willing to compromise on what I want with friends and family who are already here.
Paul wrote in Philippians 2, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” And throughout the New Testament we are reminded that Jesus was a servant and He has called us to serve others.
That’s a hard thing. I am selfish by nature (no offense, but so are you). God has called us to love and serve others. I pray that I can follow that example of Jesus more closely. I pray that I might serve others as I should. I pray the same for you.
By the way, her name is Mary Violet.
