It's My Birthday Too

“You say it’s your birthday  

It's my birthday too, yeah

I'm glad it's your birthday

Happy Birthday to you"

-The Beatles                          

“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” -1 Timothy 3:11

 “A gracious, generous woman will be honored with a splendid reputation . . . ”

Proverbs 11:16 (TPT)

Today is my grandmother’s 92^nd birthday. It’s also the birthday of my dear friend Gena, whom I often call “Big Sis.” And it’s my birthday too. Through the years it’s been a lot of fun sharing my birthday with these two special ladies. For my tenth birthday I remember my grandmother taking me to my favorite pizza restaurant—just the two of us—even though she didn’t even really care for pizza. Feeling adventurous, she ordered a Hawaiian pizza for herself (mine was cheese only), and then shared with me how she would love to travel to Hawaii someday. She never made it there, but when she was in her 70s, my dad’s intrepid mother went on a mission trip to Guatemala.

Like Grandmother, my friend Gena also has a spirit of adventure as well as a heart for service. One of my favorite birthday memories with her was two years ago when our mutual friend flew from Texas to Florida where Big Sis lives. They surprised me with a phone call asking me to meet them for lunch. I drove over and the three of us had a wonderful day celebrating together.

I have so many memories I treasure of times spent with grandmother and with Gena. But one of the most important aspects of my relationships with each of them is our spiritual connection. They have prayed with me during ordinary times, as well as during crises. They have shared Bible verses with me to encourage and strengthen and guide me. And they have even used scripture to gently rebuke me when I needed it. They consistently cheer me on in all of my endeavors, but most of all, in my walk with the Lord. And I am thankful to share a birthday with two such godly women.