birthdays

on our birthdays, i hope that we do not celebrate our own existence so much as our gratitude to God for all that he gives us, all the ways he loves us. i hope that we can humbly praise him for his goodness, his holiness, and for the blessed love of his son. what does it mean to be thankful? it is not a feeling, though at times the feeling overflows. it is more our active expression of his love toward others, with joy and faithfulness. in the name of Christ Jesus, by the power of his Spirit.

today, i am thankful. may it be so every day.