“Happy Birthday!” said the TSA lady at the airport. How does she know it’s my birthday? I wondered. I myself usually forget. December 30, right in the middle of the holidays, five days after Christmas, two days before New Year’s Day, it all gets lost in the shuffle. Which is generally fine by me, I say. When you get to be my age, well, you know, you don’t feel like every birthday needs to be celebrated.
I took all my stuff out and put it through the X-ray machine, still wondering how the security lady knew it was my birthday. Finally I got it. Of course, it’s on my driver’s license.
Then, while waiting for my flight, I logged on to my email account for work. The offices are closed today. I didn’t expect many emails. Just wanted to check in. OMG, I thought, 89 emails today. What’s that all about?
Turns out my birthday again. Seems that all those messages are notifications that people have wished me happy birthday on my Facebook timeline. How did they know about it? Of course, Facebook lets you know. I went to my timeline and scrolled down, responding as best I could to so many wonderful wishes. Couldn’t be nicer.
Then I feel a buzz in my pocket. A text from my niece. “Happy Birthday, Uncle Rick.” And another from another niece. And a voicemail from my son. These people are so good about remembering my birthday. I hope I can remember theirs.
So even though it’s a travel day, and I’m waiting at an airport, it feels like a real celebration. I’m filled with gratitude and would like to say a prayer for all those people on my timeline, on my phone, even that nice TSA lady. Thanks for remembering. Thanks for the good wishes. God be with you at the end of this year. A birthday is a fine thing, even if you want to forget about it. There’s a lot to celebrate.
Happy New Year to you. I’m full of thanksgiving.
