By Karen O’Connor:

Photo from Savoir-Faire

Yesterday was my friend Grace’s birthday. And I noticed on Facebook a list of other people celebrating their special day. I wanted to shout to each one I hope you find God on your birthday! I did many years ago when I hit the big 40! It was then my life turned in a new direction. My husband left our family. I was in the midst of a spiritual crisis, without a paying job, and had three children depending on me to make wise choices—which I did not always do.

But that year I did find God in a fresh way, not only on my birthday, but everyday––as his Holy Spirit met me in my crisis with these words from the Bible in John 14:6: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

The moment I read this verse I made a commitment to Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life and I’ve never been the same since. He has guided and guarded me all the days and years since. Now when I celebrate each new birthday I am reminded that I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for his grace and goodness through all the ups and downs of life.

May you find God on your birthday this year and may it be the happiest because of this discovery.

Be inspired with this YouTube video, featuring Chris Tomlin singing “How Great is Our God”.

Also, just for fun, enjoy this tutorial on how to make creative birthday cards, by Wendy Nasmith. (See her terrific blog with more ideas at whimsical-wendy.blogspot.com. That way you can bless someone else by recognizing their special day!

©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the FindingGod blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com