Lesson from a 3rd Birthday

My baby is 3 today. I am sitting beside her while she takes a special "Birthday Bubble Bath", to be followed by a "Birthday Nap," culminating in an exciting Birthday Party hosted by none other than Chucky Cheese himself! So far today, she has had about 5 phone calls, numerous snacks, 3 birthday cards created by her siblings, one of which had quarters taped all over it, a manicure with hot pink nail polish performed by her sister, and a pedicure given by her older brother that included a foot soak and a nail massage. She is definitely the queen for the day! She can not remember how old she is today, but will quickly tell you that she is "not 2 anymore!"

Oh the joy of being 3 years old! I have been fighting tears all day because she is the baby and probably (don't laugh!) the last of the Kemp Clan. But the near tears are also at her joy and happiness over everything this day is bringing her, the simple delight in being celebrated for her life. She has sung "Happy Birthday to Me" at least a dozen times and it includes a little dance choreographed by Lydia herself.

So this has me to thinking, why don't I act this way on my birthday? I have kind of been dreading this year: the big 35 that is supposed to make me depressed and feel old, as some have told me. Lydia has been planning this "pink birthday" since her 2nd birthday a year ago! I have been sort of pretending that mine is not coming in a few months, much less picking out the decor.

So what make me lose that childlike perspective on something I know I am going to face every single year that I am still breathing?

Here is my opinion: Adults don't get gaga over their birthdays because rather than facing the year ahead with excitement about what it could bring, they are facing it with fear and dread, with an expectation of negative rather than positive. Lydia just can't wait to live another year, or actually just another day- she doesn't look any farther into the future than that. But we grown ups are so "mature" that we think because we have experience in this world and know a few things that to feel excitement and joy over another year on this earth is naive. Oh Lord, save us from ourselves!

Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has a great plan for my life, to prosper me, to give me hope and a good future, not to harm me. Now, I have quoted this a thousand times, mostly to people that I am counselling, but do I spout it as a line that sounds good, or do I really believe it for myself? That year # 36 that starts on April 30th for me, will be full of all the good things that God has planned- prosperity, hope, greater and deeper revelations of His love and grace? I want to say that I have hidden that Word in my heart, but I am wondering if maybe I just have let it sit in my mind and go no farther.

Thank God for the lessons our children teach us. Lord, let me be a ready learner and heed the truths that come hidden in birthday cake and brightly wrapped gifts. Now, do I want a "pink birthday" this year, or maybe green...