I Remember

article by PAUL LIPE

I remember a little bit about my birthdays, which now have reached 89, but memories are not as clear as I would like. The most vivid one pictures me on my birthday on December 31st, because that one was celebrated with both my children and several grandchildren present. Surprises on that occasion made it more memorable. The big surprise was that my son, his wife, and my youngest grand flew in from Dallas to share this special day.

In addition to surprises, humor can cause one’s recall to function with better results. When Trey, my oldest grand reached his 4th year, we met in Oxford to celebrate. When he began opening packages, he was rewarded with gifts of clothing. Finally, he asked with a loud voice: “Where are the presents?” I doubt if I shall ever forget that birthday!

My memory is such that I would forget another’s birthday and would be embarrassed as the result of my oversight. This is a problem made worse by my practice of daily communicating with family and friends by texting them with scripture and devotional remarks. As a postscript, I list prayer concerns and names of any who having birthdays or anniversaries. To help me remember, I have a calendar with this info posted in it. Now if I can remember to consult the calendar! It is not good to forget one’s special day.

When Jesus was born, magi from the East sought this new-born and gave Him gifts. The irony of this is that Jesus is Himself God’s gift to those who put their faith in Him. It is not that our physical birth takes precedence. No, it is our second birth, our spiritual birth by which we become members of God’s family, that we really are made alive. If you have never been born again, I urge you to seek out someone who can help you receive the best of all gifts – eternal life through faith in Christ; then you will have a birthday that you can celebrate forever!