They say it’s your birthday. It’s my birthday, too, yeah.
I’m glad it’s your birthday. We’re gonna have a good time.
–Lennon/McCartney
Today is my birthday. Now that my feet are firmly planted in my sixth decade, I have questions that must be answered.
What happened to my nice, thick eyebrows, and why are they now growing on my upper lip?
When did I become my mother?
Will I ever remember all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody?
When will I stop acting like a spoiled child?
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things (I Corinthians 13:11).
When I read Paul’s words to the Corinthians, I think about the ways I am still a child. Remember when your kids were little, and they’d put their hands over their ears so they wouldn’t have to hear your rebuke? Sometimes I still do that when I hear the Lord’s voice through His word, through a sermon, or from the gentle chastening from a friend.
My pastor’s sermon two weeks ago was on evangelism. The word strikes trepidation deep in the soul of every introverted Christian. I picture the guy in our city who stands on various freeway overpasses with a bright pink sign with the words “John 3:16.” No way, God. (Hands over my ears.)
A few months ago, my ninety-three-year-old mother’s health declined to the point where she was afraid to be home alone at night in case she fell. My husband, Mike, suggested we move in with her. No way, God. (Hands over my ears.)
Paul encourages us to put away childish things – thoughts, actions, and attitudes. I feel Jesus’ gentle touch, prying my hands off my ears so I can hear his voice. At sixty-two, I may have finally grown up.
Jane Daly
Jane Daly is the author of two books, Because of Grace, A Mother’s Journey from Grief to Hope, and The Caregiving Season, Finding Grace to Honor Your Aging Parent. She makes her home in Northern California. When she’s not working at the bank or hunched over her computer, she enjoys riding her bike and scrapbooking.
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@queenjanedaly
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