“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well,” – Voltaire
You cannot know when you were born; you simply will be told because at birth you possess not, the faculties to mark out time or remember with precision, what is or what has been. So in awe and wonder, I bow down to God today for letting me see the abundance of a brand new year. Indeed, when I consider the many people my age, who have not been showered with the endless graces He has thrust my way, it is something to be grateful for, from the bottom of my heart.
In all sincerity, birthdays are a time to celebrate God’s gift of life. Life comes from God and every person is literally a gift from God! It is also an opportunity to re-dedicate myself to God as I begin another 365 days sojourn, ready to love God, and ready to love others.
My love for others is a keen expression and opportunity to love God because all around me, the people I see are created in the image and likeness of God. With a compulsive willingness, I cannot claim to love God and turn my back on the people I see and even those I may not immediately see. When you meet a man or woman at his/her immediate and latter points of need, there is always an innate feeling of satisfaction that can well you up a tear. Undeniably, for every time you give, not many people clearly understand that while it is easy to quickly say, “the hand of the giver is always on top”. The man who gives, denies himself something so he can give.
Why would I not reflect on my birthday? God knows I am still His work in progress. On the road so far, I have made friends with ease, lost some with speed and will continue to count the cost of friendship. I have learnt that friendship of all kinds come with peculiarities that define the depth of such friendship. The friends who stick with you through thick and thin are your real treasures. I have learnt to go the whole length with them because it always feels right to do the right thing. In instances, (and they have been many), where friendship has failed me, I have refused to be bitter, preferring instead to take positive lessons away…never dwelling on the negatives that become what draws you back, but always giving God glory for everything.
Therefore, as I mark my womb escape anniversary today, kindly join me in thanking God for His bountiful MERCY and BLESSINGS. May He remain our BANNER as we strive no matter how imperfect it may be, to actualise His will.
Akpanke wrote in from Abuja, Nigeria.
