Gift of Words!

I celebrated my 47th birthday this week. We always get together as a family for each family member's birthday throughout the year. We have several traditions associated with our birthday parties. Usually, I cook the birthday person's favorite meal. Then, we always have a Baskin Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream cake. Along with a few other things, we participate in a tradition we call "Gift of Words." This is my favorite tradition of our birthday celebrations.

During this tradition, each family member takes a moment to share something with the birthday girl or boy--something they love about that person or something special about the person or maybe something special that they shared with that person during the year. It is always the highlight of our parties and is the greatest gift we receive on our birthday.

This year, my children got a bit emotional during our time and we cried many happy tears. I am so glad we have incorporated these "Gift of Words" ceremonies into our family celebrations. As I reflected on the things said to me by my family, I was surprised by the great way my family can articulate their feelings. Even my three-year-old grandson was clear in his expression of gratitude for "taking good care of him." Everyone shared different things from deep in their heart and soul. I was proud of them and assured them they are truly easy to love and take care of!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says; "...encourage one another and build eachother up..." In certain translations of the Bible, the word "edify" is used in the place of "build eachother up." The word edify means; "build-up, establish, uplift, enlighten, and inform." I am always very careful to actively listen as my family informs me of what I have been communicating to them with my actions each year. This is a great way for me to be uplifted and also to understand what is important to them. For example, my youngest daughter said I always "make her feel at home even when she is gone away at college." Well, this comment really blessed my soul. I had prayed about what I could offer her when she went away to college. I set a goal to "be present in her life." So in this "Gift of Words" she confirmed I had heard from the Lord about what she needed and I had done a good job completing the goal.

Sometimes I feel it is so much more likely in our culture to communicate things that are going wrong and need to be changed in a person's life. I try to spend my days noticing the precious qualities I see in people and following through on sharing it with them. God has created people so differently and with so many qualities that are "in the image of God." It blesses Jesus when we rejoice in the people He has created.

I think this "Gift of Words" ceremony over the years has helped me (and my family members) to be more expressive about my feelings to those around me. I try to make sure I do not hold back any positive thoughts I am feeling about people. When I have an endearing thought or encouragement for someone, I blurt it out before I have time to analyze whether it is "worthy" to be said or not. Of course I should say it! If it is sincere and heartfelt then what am I waiting for?

So, go give someone a "Gift of Words" today! You will be building them up, establishing them, uplifting them, enlightening them, and informing them! Trust me, they need to be encouraged and we need to be free to share the loving thoughts that enter our hearts!