Yesterday, I turned 29.
When I was in 5th grade, I invited every girl in my grade to my birthday party. I hand-wrote the invitations, and my mom drove me all around town to drop them in mailboxes. Back then, RSVPs were practically legally binding… but I got exactly zero in return.
I called each one personally, hoping someone would come. Each time, the answer was the same: “Sorry, I can’t.” Some even reminded me it was 4th of July weekend. I was disappointed, but I tried to make the day special anyway.
On the day of the party, my parents were out of town, and my older brothers weren’t home either. I cleaned up, made snacks, and even wrote birthday signs on notebook paper. Two girls showed up hours late, one wandering the town and the other a neighbor. They stayed just minutes. One tried teaching us to roll cigarettes with pencil shavings. I kicked her out. My strict no-drugs policy started early.
The highlight of that day wasn’t the party. It was my dad. Even though I wasn’t expecting him home until Sunday, he showed up on Friday. Just seeing him pulled me out of the lonely funk I’d been in all day. He took me to the Barrel Drive-In, gave me two gifts I still have, a small wooden jewelry box and the best gift of all: his time. Just being there.
Looking back, that 10th birthday was the best of my childhood. It taught me something important: parties, life, and love don’t need to be extravagant, they need to be real. Quality time with those you love is more valuable than anything else.
Fast forward to yesterday. My husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday with a simple backyard party. We invited a few friends, roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, sang, laughed, and ate cake. The kids had sparklers as it got dark. My dad even showed up. I went to bed smiling, feeling grateful and full.
This year, my birthday wasn’t about the details or the party itself. It was about my heart. God has been transforming it into one that slows, observes, praises, and thanks Him. One that treasures people, time, and moments more than extravagance. One that desires more of Him, and less of everything else.
Nice post!