This month is full of birthdays in my family. My sister. Two daughters. Three grands. A stepson, and several in-laws too.

When we celebrate birthdays, it’s a reminder we’re getting older and time is passing.

Sometimes I’d like to grab the clock and demand it stop ticking.

Tick tock

For years and years there were many who were older than me. My grandparents. Parents. Teachers. Spiritual leaders.

Because we celebrate lots of birthdays in June, it causes me to think about the sand in the hour glass that seems to be sliding down the chute ever so quickly. I love my life. Sometimes I’m a little afraid to love it too much. That somehow, if I love it too much, something will be taken from me. In my heart, I know that isn’t true, but my head has to catch up with that truth. I have to release my life and time into the hands of the One I know I can trust.

Two verses stood out to me this morning as I talked to God before writing my blog. One came from the Old Testament. The other from the new.

 

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
    who conduct their affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:5)

Sometimes in my life, I’ve held onto precious things: money, possessions, time, my children, with a tight fist. I was afraid to let go. I’ve learned that it’s so much better to be generous and give what I cannot keep. And when the decision to give is made, what a release it is! I like what the next passage says in the New Testament:

But godliness  with contentment is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6)

As this month rumbles on with more birthdays to celebrate, I want to be generous with myself, with my money, with my expectations in this life. I am content. I’m learning to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets more often. I enjoy hearing the birds begin their chatter in the early morn. And the flowers of summer.

 

And when I can’t sleep at night, I think of loved ones who are no longer on earth. I think about my relationship with them and am grateful for the memories with them. We cannot stop time, but we can relish the time we have. And be generous. And content.