There’s something magical that happens on your birthday. When you’re surrounded by those you love, and who love you back…who have made far too big a deal out of your special day. Balloons, streamers, and confetti cover your once pretty tame kitchen, and it’s taken a few extra minutes to get ready for your party. There’s coordinated colors, cards being signed at the last minute, but even in the midst of the chaos, the day is exactly as it should be. And your celebration begins...

Some may believe that presents are the best part of a birthday. I disagree. It’s all about the cake. Throughout my growing up years in Michigan, on my birthday, 99% of the time, I had a cake from my favorite bakery. It was always covered in roses with an absurd, but incredible amount of frosting… and it was heavenly! Sadly, that bakery eventually closed, and since then we’ve found a new bakery to fill our cake needs. Their cakes are, also, delicious and the main ingredients are butter, butter, and more butter, but it’s a birthday. And after all, they only happen once a year.

So here you are, the room has settled. And a beautiful cake is placed in front of you, with one more candle than the previous year waiting to be extinguished. Anticipation, excitement for another year to live out your calling, and a whole lot of hope to see something amazing happen over the next year of your life floods your thinking. At least it does for me. Your loved ones gather around you and the song begins. And for a moment, the world stops, and you get to reflect on everything that has happened, cherish the people who have come to celebrate you, think on the goodness of God, and pray for a wonderful next year of life.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized that birthdays aren’t just about the birthday girl or boy. It’s about celebrating those who are in your life… family, new and old friends, those who have been with you through all of life’s ups and downs. Your day wouldn’t be what it is without them. I try to keep that in mind as the mad dash for the middle piece begins.

Well, if you didn’t guess by now, today, March 25th, is my birthday. And, as you might imagine, I am excitedly awaiting for the party to begin and for my family to put that buttercream frosted cake in front of me, with all 26 candles ablaze! I’ll spend this day reflecting on the incredibly blessed year I’ve just had. And my reason for even writing about my birthday isn’t because of a need for attention, but instead, I write out of a desire to give tribute to the amazing family I have, who continually fill my life with joy. Thank you, Molitors! The journey wouldn’t be half as amazing without you. And even more importantly, I want to give glory to my Heavenly Father who continually surprises me in every aspect of life. So today, if you think about it, take time to thank your own loved ones and give praise to the One who loves you more than you could ever imagine. Okay, I got to go get my party hat on! So here’s to having your cake and eating it too, and another great year ahead!

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"- Ephesians 5:20