Growing up, birthdays were simple. I remember sitting in the
church pew debating between my favorite restaurant choices. This annual milestone
meant mom and dad were splurging on a rare treat: going out-to-eat. It was
truly a special occasion.
I don't recall ever pining over what I missed as I attended the
birthday parties of my school classmates. Somewhere along the way, however, I
decided my children were going to have grand celebrations. Another year of life
beckoned a party with all of our family and friends.
Now that my oldest is eleven, party planning has honestly
become a bit of a chore. She has had celebrations (often two) for every year of
her life. Add two more girls to the mix and this momma is losing her creativity.
Unfortunately, our medium girl has her birthday the latest month of all our
children. Not only is she sandwiched between our oldest and youngest in the
birthing order, her due date was stuck right between the crazy start of school and
the busy holiday rush.
"She justifiably will have middle-child-syndrome!"
was the response I gave to my friend's inquiry on the high stress level this
week. I can have a home that says, "welcome" to our guests. That
isn't my worry. Everyone invited is coming to help Jaycie know she is loved and
celebrated. Food can be purchased and even a cake for that matter. It's the
future adult-child casting judgment that was wreaking havoc on my emotions. I'm
worried she will see pictures one day and wonder why she always appeared to get
the short-end-of-the-stick.
So why bother with a party anyway? Am I creating selfish
little monsters who demand their moment of glory? Are we begging for a shower
of presents every year when our house is already overloaded? Is it worth the
time, energy and money to throw this type of a shindig every year (x3)?
After some soul-searching, I'm jumping in with both feet for
today's celebration. Today we remember. Once a year (although it should be
constantly in a much simpler way), we take time out of our lives to say thank
you to God for our daughter's life. There is so much to be grateful for.
So why the big fiesta? It's not about the presents. I don't
care if people come empty-handed or bring a candy bar to show their love.
Simply put, we want those who do this life with us to reminisce with us. We
want our girls to know they have a community of people to count on. In the
Bible, God's people set aside times for feasting. The feast was a reason to
gather. The purpose was to remember God's goodness.
This past week felt a bit like I was doing anything but
slowing down to rest. Today, with a cake in the fridge, a DVD of this past year
put to music set to watch, and a home that can welcome our community even with
the threat of rain, we are celebrating. We are thanking God surrounded by many
of those we do life with.
Sometimes it takes a lot of work in order to be able to
rest. Keeping the purpose in mind helps us to stay focused. Resting today...
surrounded by those I love... celebrating all our gifts... it is all worth it.
Maybe REST isn't so much about sleeping, zoning out, or
stopping all activity. Could it be that rest is more about redefining our
purpose? Does rest help us become more intentional?
"This feast will help you remember, like a mark on your hand or a reminder on your forehead. This feast will remind you to speak the Lord’s teachings, because the Lord used his great power to bring you out of Egypt. So celebrate this feast every year at the right time." - Exodus 13:9-10
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