Birthday Reflections

Recently I completed my 60 laps around the sun, yes- I turned 60!  I was filled with thanks and praise to God. Over the month I wrote down verses which had spoken to me, verses I had prayed through and Bible verses I had lived out across the six decades.

I am a Chennai girl (Chennai is a city on the South East coast of India) who has lived in Auckland, New Zealand for more than a decade. I love my saris, dosas and filter coffee as much as my scones, cappuccino and op shop visits.

On my birthday, I decided to reflect and ponder, and here are 3 points which summarize my reflections. I share them here prayerfully and hope it will bless you in some way on your own birthday or on a day when you need it most.

1. A gratitude (list) library

Thanking God for the big, the small, and the in-between has been something I have grown into. Sometimes I write it down, sometimes I sing praise songs and at other times I tell the Lord- loudly, clearly and unashamed. ‘Thank you Jesus’ is the prayer I pray often.

I thank the Lord for creating me, for the people in my life, for hard times which have shaped me, for God's presence and his grace. 

Isaiah 46:3 NIV made into a prayer:

God, you have upheld me since I was conceived

You have carried me since my birth. 

Thank you!

I thank God for times when I could rest in Him and for answered prayers of joy and unanswered prayers which have shown me God's grace.

“Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.”

-Psalm 5:11 NIV

2. Pray more than plan

Going to Jesus with the details and leaving them there is something that gives me peace. Praying using verses helps me put my prayers into words.

For example, as I pray for our 3 children and grandchildren I use Paul's words in Colossians 1:10 as he prays for the Colossians. 

Lord, I pray for ……… help him/her live a life worthy of the Lord, please Him in every way, bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds me that ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.’ And claiming this I walk away into my day with a restful heart.

“Be at rest O my soul.”

-Psalm 116:7a NIV

3. Celebrate the ordinary

I embrace this stage of my life fully. 

I cherish each moment, experiencing it by being fully present. I avoid multitasking. Even if I am on a call with my sons or daughter in law, I sit down and relish it fully and well. 

Everyday, I find things to appreciate - my coffee, my curry, the weather, the flowers, Nivin's cheerful chatter and Kevin's laughter. My Appa (my Dad) told  us to live with wonder and he modelled it for us. My Amma looked for the best in people and situations- what a blessed way to live!

I ask God daily to show me ways I can be a blessing to someone and follow through on his lead.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds me that as children of God, the good works we do have already been planned by God.

At 60 I am no longer shy or nervous about embracing and celebrating life and living the ‘one day at a time’ mindset with passion.  All the while abiding in Jesus and leaning on him 100%.

Let me end with this thought provoking quote and  verses which are good  for all of us as we head into our worlds. ‘When we understand that each day isn’t one more day, but one less, we’ll start giving more value to the things that truly matter.’

“Be very careful then how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

-Ephesians 5:15 & 16a