[My Birthday] It’s Not All About Me

Birthday is one of many important days in our life. On our birthday, we celebrate the new day added to our life while some people consider it as the day their life span is getting shorter.

Hurray for The Gifts!

On the special day, we get many gifts. Some are visible things. Some are invisible, such as prayers and wishes.

“Happy Birthday! Stay healthy and successful.”

“Happy Birthday! Wish you all the best.”

“Happy Birthday! May happiness is always with you.”

Spatial and time differences don’t matter anymore thanks to the development of communication technology. We can receive virtual birthday messages with many cute icons, such as note symbols, a flower bouquet, and a birthday cake with candles, from our families and friends from around the world.

My Birthday is Not All About Me

On birthdays, the birthday girl or boy is usually the star of the day. She or he is the center of attention. As I get older and become a mom, I do believe that my birthday is not all about me. It’s also about the Lord and my parents. They play great roles in my life. Their good deeds make me who I am now.

My Birthday is Also About God

God is my creator. “You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb” (Psalms 139:13). I was born with His permission.

God is my faithful life companion and takes care of me. “You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my action … You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power” (Psalms 139:2-3, 5).

God is always there in my good times and my bad times. “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me” (Philipians 4:13).

My Birthday is Also About My Mom and Dad

I am also so grateful to my loving parents. To my mom, who had carried me months in her womb. My mom who hardly slept during the final stage of her pregnancy because she couldn’t sleep on her back, neither on her stomach.

Endless thank you to my mom who has taken care of me. Even now, she still gives me great help in many ways.

There were definitely times when I was such a fussy, stubborn, whiny child, especially when I was sick. Thank you for being a patient and kindhearted mom.

Everlasting thank you to my dedicated and faithful father, who did his best for the sake of the family.

Endless thank you to him for being a role model in many ways: faith in God, integrity, compassion and learning without end. Wish we could stay together longer.

To my father,

“… your memory's so clear

… You're still an inspiration

Can it be… you are watching over me from up above

… I cherish all you gave me everyday

‘cause you are my forever love ….”

(“To Where You Are” by Josh Groban)

Finally, in celebrating my birthday on 6.1., I dedicate this song from my childhood, “Ayah Bunda Piara” to my parents.

“Bila kuingat lelah ayah bunda,

ayah bunda piara, piara akan daku,

sehingga aku besarlah.

Waktu ku kecil, hidupku amatlah senang,