I love a good party. The cuteness of the coordinating plates, napkins, silverware and decorations get my blood pumping. At those times of year, Pinterest is my best friend. But my wallet is not.
Somehow I seem to justify the extra expense by saying that this time only comes around once a year. Each of my children do need to know how uniquely special God created them to be, and they should be celebrated. When in the midst of sibling arguments, we often remind our little ones that God handpicked each of us to be together in our family, so we need to appreciate and respect each other.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
If I had my druthers, I would spend each family birthday at Disney World, a water park, fancy restaurants, and holding huge parties that would rival MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. But I don’t. We just can’t. There are times when I am fully aware and happy with our lot in life, that I realize not having a huge bank account is a blessing from God.
“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower.” James 1:9-10 (NIV)
If we had a ton of money, we would spoil our children. They wouldn’t be the kind of kids who don’t beg for things when we go out. (I am so thankful for that!) They would make exorbitant Christmas lists and expect their demands to be met. I have actually heard parents say that they want to give their children everything they ask for. Reallly? Everything?! As it stands right now, our kids love to dream and they realize that dreaming is half the fun. They are okay with not having everything. They are usually thankful for what they do have.
So what does this have to do with birthdays? One of my little ones has her special day approaching. I need to remember that it’s not all the sparkle and pazaz that I can give her that will make the day memorable. What she needs is to know that God loves her and created her to be and do great things.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
So here are a few ways to help a child realize how to special they are on their birthday (or to have a birthday that will be worth a million in the long run)…
- Keep a birthday journal in which you write a letter to them each year on their birthday telling them your deepest, heartfelt hopes and dreams for them, including some of the prayers you have prayed for them this year.
- Make the day about spending time together. It doesn’t matter so much what you do for your little ones, so much as that they want to spend time with you! Let them plan the day, and you may just find that it’s a lot less spectacular, and a lot more meaningful. Make part of that meaningful time together your family worship time, perhaps singing their favorite songs and letting them pick their favorite Bible story.
- Instead of several presents, pick one or two things they may want and add a framed photo or a fun photo gift of you together. Another fun take on this is making a photo video of them. You could also include some Bible verses.
It doesn’t matter how much money you put into a birthday, what matters is the heart!
What special birthday traditions do you have?
Judy says
I completely agree. Our plan is a few items only and a special day. It means so much more. I like the birthday journal or letter idea.
admin says
Thanks. I am trying to get the extended family to join in on the letter idea, but they aren’t writer, so they are a bit tougher to crack!
Erin says
Love these ideas! We have a birthday coming up soon in our family and definitely don’t go all-out but try to do exactly what you said — and I love the verses you used to back up your point.
admin says
Hope you have a great birthday celebration!
Pam says
There is much value in teaching our children contentment with what we have. We all enjoy a good celebration, and as they grow they will remember those special times we spent together showing how much we love them and love being together more than they will remember what toys they received.
admin says
Very true!