March 2012 – The Thinking Christian Woman

This post is not about the countries of Iran and Iraq, as interesting and important as they are, but rather about two birthday gifts I’m celebrating today.

I ran – the gift of health

First off, I want to thank a dear friend who called to share the bible radio quiz with me this morning during my 2.75 miles (.25 for every 5 yrs of life) run. That conversation stimulated the thinking in this post.

Oh how happy, blessed, to be 55 and still able to enjoy running, senior women’s basketball, a standing desk, and so many other activities, without pain and without medication.

The state of one’s health is partly the result of life choices, but ultimately in God’s hands. I’m thanking Him for the state of health He’s entrusted me with today.

I RAK – the gift of giving

Luke the physician recorded Paul the apostle quoting Jesus the Christ in Acts 20:35, “You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.'” (that’s the Message version of “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”)

One translation of the Greek word “blessed” is “oh how happy,” so in that context, happy birthday could be thought of as blessed birthday. Once, when I worked in an office where the culture was to have cake and a celebration on one’s birthday, a friend suggested I might give something, rather than expect something, so I brought a rose for everyone in the office. It was much more fun to give than to receive.

This morning I posted a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) in the MouseWait Lounge (Mouse Wait is a great phone app that provides wait times and many other helpful resources related to the Disneyland Resort). In the Lounge, a RAK is a gift you give just because, and today I offered one in celebration of my birthday. It was another fun way to focus on giving rather than receiving.

When is your next birthday? As a Thinking Christian Woman, can you think of some fun ways to give more than you receive? If so, brace yourself for a very happy birthday!