Everyday, people young and old, rich and poor will celebrate a birthday. When children celebrate they concentrate on gifts, cake and sometimes prizes during games. As we become older the focus changes; the birthday will bring some status to our lives. Sixteen year olds can drive, eighteen year olds can vote, and of course twenty-one is the legal drinking age. What exactly comes next? We used to consider the “over the hill” age to be fifty-five when I was a kid. But, now I’m past that and I don’t think that way anymore. So, what is the next big ‘milestone’ after ‘21’?!

I believe it is the age you finally come to realize it’s all about people-family and friends- instead of the status change and gifts. Recently our family celebrated the 81 st birthday of my father in law. He spoke the idea the best; the gifts, the cake, the celebration was good but the best part was family being together. He said when you have family you have everything! Spoken so very well!

When you attend the next family gathering, give hugs, smiles, handshakes whatever is in your comfort zone, but let them know you appreciate them. Because, all too soon we lose the opportunity to do so.

“And let us consider how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24

Dear God, I pray that families begin to come together, to live, celebrate, and hopefully worship. Heal the brokenness within those who read these words. Touch the hearts of all who see this post and encourage them to reach out to the people they have list touch with. Bandage the wounds, splint the breaks, heal their hearts. In Jesus precious name, amen.

Sandra Sanders, boundless trust