We celebrate birthdays as a way to acknowledge the Lord’s grace in our lives for each year of life. This life on earth is just a rehearsal for the real life to come in heaven for those who accept the Lord’s free gift of salvation. Moses wrote in his Psalm, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Ps. 90:10 NKJ) Most never make it to their 70th birthday, so the last phrase is important – even if we make it to our 70th or 80th birthday, life will soon be cut off and our final destiny will last for eternity, either heaven or hades.

I’m blessed to celebrate my mother’s birthday today.  She has been blessed by the Lord to experience both her 70th and 80th birthdays and today celebrates her 85th! She’s enjoyed many good years including almost 62 years of marriage to my father before he was taken to heaven. Now I’m blessed because I enjoy her words of encouragement and blessings on a daily basis.

While we live several states apart, the phones are a great way to stay in touch and share what the Lord is doing. Recently, I asked her to pray for a sheetrock issue that came up. After we hung up, a thought came to me and the problem was resolved!  I’m thankful for a mom who will both remember to pray for me and to bless me every day.  Thanks Mom! You’re the best!

Happy Birthday!