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Another Year Older

February 19, 2012 By 6 Comments

This week I am going to turn 38 years old. I don’t feel much more than 20 most of the time, but I have the life experiences to prove I’m not that young anymore.

Back in October I read a blog post that blew me away. It was about a woman who did 38 random acts of kindness on her birthday. (Also, check out The Birthday Project.) After reading it I sat down and typed up some things I wanted to do for my birthday.

I told my parents and my brother that I didn’t want gifts for my birthday and that I wanted them to help me with my ideas. I had things on my list like making 38 cards for nursing home patients and donating 38 food items to the local food pantry, just to name a few. I was really excited about the whole idea.

Then, Christmas came around and money was super tight. I thought maybe after the first of the year I would be able to get my ideas going. But, guess what? My goals started feeling too hard to reach. The time for my birthday is almost here and my ideas never came to fruition.

Today we celebrated my birthday with my parents and brother’s family. I received cards and gifts which actually made me feel guilty about failing in my plan. Then, I read my parents’ card which said, “How do you do it all?” on the front.

That’s when I realized I can’t do it all. However, I can do something, anything. So, while I am not going to be able to do the things on my list, I am going to give this birthday giving thing a shot.

During the course of this week, I hope to do at least one thing each day to give to others. Whether it be a gift that costs money or one that costs only my time, I want to give because I have been so blessed these 38 years by what others have given to me. Not only that, but I have been so blessed by God’s gifts of love, especially His gift of Jesus.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Filed Under: Misc.
  • Rachel Espino

    Tears Jackie…your blog is a blessing. Sometimes it takes others to put your own thoughts into the proper perspective. I turn 38 this year as well. I can’t say I feel 20, because I don’t. However, I don’t feel like I am nearing 40 either. :-) I like the idea of giving to others instead. It’s wonderful. Don’t feel badly about your plan not working out exactly like you thought. Your parents are right…it’s always nice to hear the words from others that are used to build us up. Words from the hushed whispers of God. He uses others to help us…just like He will use you to help others.

    • http://www.blessingsoverflowing.com/ Jackie

      Aww! Thank you so much, Rachel! I didn’t realize we were the same age. :) Your sweet comment(s) are a blessing to me. Take care.

  • Erika

    No, we can’t do it all… but we can always try. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You do so much for your family and even just listening to people and offering your advice or just being there means more than you could know. Thank you for responding to my email and offering your support. I hope you know that it meant so much and even just helping one person should make yourself feel good. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

    • http://www.blessingsoverflowing.com/ Jackie

      Thank you so much, Erika! I so appreciate what you wrote. I am happy to have been able to offer support. Take care.

  • Dad

    Jackie, your mother and I are so proud of you for the woman you have become. I still remember that precious day when you came into our lives. I also remember sitting on the couch a week or so before you were born and saying to your mother that in very soon life would never be the same…and it hasn’t been since you came into our lives. We love.
    Dad

    • http://www.blessingsoverflowing.com/ Jackie

      Thank you, Dad! I am so very blessed to have two wonderful parents. Thank you for all you have done for me (and continue to do) over the years. I love you, too!