As I grow older, I find that I'm less enthusiastic to celebrate my birthday. Nevertheless, this year's birthday's celebrations have been fruitful and fulfilling. They've really meant a lot to me, because the people in my life really make the difference.
I'm thankful for my youths who did a really sweet celebration with me. As a youth leader, I am thankful that my friendship with them has been significant enough, as imperfect as I am. All of my youths are so special in their own way and it's been an amazing privilege to know them and grow in faith with them. I've never really thought that I've given more than I've received. In fact, perhaps, on the contrary.
I'm thankful for friendships with my colleagues that I can be so enthusiastic to go to work on my birthday, even though I could've taken leave on that day. Honestly, their friendships matter to me so much that I would be as happy if they didn't do anything or given me anything at all for my birthday. Their presence in my life have made the best days of my life. I've never felt such great acceptance and safety from any group of people before, never felt so captivated and drawn to such lovely relationships before. I'm still in awe that such quality of friendships in a relatively big group and in an organization actually can exist. I feel that I can be quite vulnerable and real with them, and not be shamed, rejected, or judged, and still be accepted in spite of my grumblings, complaints and weaknesses. They are like.. THE BEST people on planet earth (as of now). They are people who are more concerned about me than my failings.
I'm thankful for the dinner date with my boyfriend. Even though he's been extremely tired from work, he'll still spend time with me on my birthday. He's the one who has been with me through good times and bad times, and I thank God for his patience, love, faithfulness and grace. Through this relationship, he's taught me that there is such a thing as unconditional grace and acceptance. I hope to appreciate his presence in my life more and to love him more also.
I'm thankful for the youth leaders who did a birthday video for me. They're the most awesome youth leaders I've ever met - grounded yet passionate at the same time with the gospel. They inspire me to continue to live with and breathe the gospel each and every waking moment.
I'm thankful for my family too. For my mum who is ever thoughtful in the gifts that she buys for me, and for my dad whom I can engage with on current affairs. :) For my brother who got me a gift even though it is not like him to buy gifts. Thankful for dinner date that we had to catch up as well.
I really do have a lot of good relationships to be thankful for.
Thankful to God for how He has seen me through life and in whom I hope will be my safety and security more and more. In Attachment Theory language, I hope that my triune God can continue to be my "secure base". In gospel language, I hope that Jesus will truly be my Bread of Life, who truly satisfies and whom I can really taste and see that God is good all the time (yes, even in the darkest and most painful moments).
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