It’s My Birthday: I’m Revealing My Number 1 Wish

It’s my birthday! Make a wish and blow out the candles. 

Such fun, hope-filled words.

Today, December 1, is my official birthday. And, of course, my twin sister, Sharon, made an appearance in the world this same day. But a few minutes after my grand entrance.

There’s a glorious part about birthday wishes.

You can wish for anything. 

You don’t say anything unless you mean…any-thing. So, it’s exactly the kind of stuff I dared to dream…shiny things, on the hunch that maybe…possibly, a few of my “anythings” might actually become real.

Some came true, while others fizzled as quick as I blew out candles on a cake. Wishes that ran the spectrum of valiant and noble to downright self-centered and princess-ish.

Wishes I patiently waited on. And those I threw a childish tantrum over.

Still, deep in the depths of my soul, this girl’s always been a dreamer—wishing for the subtle pleasures of life and big ole’ ginormous things only God could pull off.

Looking back, I see the Lord’s tender mercies in my top wishes. In case you didn’t know, God’s the biggest dreamer of all. And He has dreams for each of us.

For me, celebrating a birthday adds up to more than five decades. Me and God still dream—together.

Here’s a countdown of my top 7 wishes:

7.  To know the love of my father.

If you know my story, you know my biological father was not around for part of my life. But this wish came true. My dad came back into my life. Read more about that chapter of my story, A Father Who Never Leaves.

6.  Talent. 

To be a rock star. Just kidding. Yet, I dreamed of being good at something—really good. Gifts and skills I could be known for and share with others. God instilled in me the love of communication…the love of words. I’m a speaker, writer…a communicator through and through.

5.  Passionate Career.

Pondering in my teen years. What should I study in school? Sure, the perfect job doesn’t exist. Still, how fantastic to want to get out of bed in the mornings. To find this, Do what you love and love what you do. My work experience includes children’s programs, school staff, and marketing. And in ministry, my calling and labor in the Lord, I’m blessed with speaking opportunities and now the dream to write. This wish came true. I’m currently working on a book I’m passionate about in every way.

4.  To be a bride in a long, white gown.

For a soul-mate. Guess what? On a college campus in Tennessee, I met the man of my dreams. And I became his bride. Mike and I have been married for thirty-one years. I walked down a church isle in a long, white wedding gown. Check! This wish also came true! Read more, 5 Ways to Never Give Up on Marriage.

3.  To be a mother. 

The love of a child/children. The good Lord blessed me with a daughter and son. Now, I’m a grandmother. Being a Mom and Mimi—some of the best jobs on the planet. Mark it off the list. A wish fulfilled.

2.  Purpose. A higher calling. 

A difference maker. Leave my mark on the world. A legacy. Howard Hendricks said, “There are three kinds of people in the world; those who make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those who wondered what happened.” I heard Hendricks speak at a ministry event in college. He was the professor at a theological seminary. I decided that day…that moment, I would strive to “make things happen.” It’s the kind of person I wanted to be. The kind of Christian woman I wanted to become. To fulfill God’s high calling on my life. To know Him more and make Him known. I hope of all the legacies I may leave behind, I will leave a spiritual legacy full of God’s grace to a world who needs Christ.

1.  Life significance.

Why am I here? Why was I born?  The answer to life itself. To know a supreme being who’s greater and higher. And I’ve found it, you know. The answer. At sixteen, I found Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. The God who’s greater than any being in the universe. It’s my number one wish that came true. More important than my physical birthday, is my spiritual birth-day.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).

It’s my number one wish for you. I wish you Jesus. #Jesus Click To Tweet

© 2016 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved

*Photo is of me and grandson, Foster, last night for an early celebration. The mug I’m holding was a gift from him, his mom and dad. Inscribed, “Best Mimi Ever.”