the birthday song

today I was supposed to meet someone for lunch, but the person never arrived to meet with me. I waited for about half an hour, and I even ordered my food, but no one showed. I began to get a little frustrated. I did all the things people do when they are waiting for someone, but forgot to bring something to do. I started playing with my silverware, I made bubbles with my soda, and even messed with the salt and pepper shakers. Then I almost laughed, thinking how funny I must look being so frustrated at a table all alone. I thought to myself why I was so frustrated and then it happened... the BIRTHDAY SONG

We have all heard that infamous birthday song they sing at restaurants, when the employees come running out with a free desert and sing some remixed version of the song. Some have even made up a person's birthday just to hear the song. Nonetheless, we have all heard or been a part of one. The table next to me was full retired old ladies (most of which would have pinched my cheeks if I had given them the chance) And it caught my attention when the employees of the pizza joint came running out singing the famous birthday song to this lady. Now I don't want to offend any old people, but she was probably in her 70's. And I knew in that moment that if there was anyone in the room that could relate to what I am about to say, it was her. As I watched her face light up as they sang the song, it began to dawn on me. This lady had heard this song being sung to her over 70 times, representing the 70 years of her life that had gone by.......WOW......... I wonder what she was thinking as they sang her the song for the 70th time. Was she thinking about all the memories she had? Was she thinking about her husband or kids or family? No matter what was going on through her head, I think she knew more than most how precious and short our time here really is. When you live that long and hear that many birthday songs, it has to dawn on you that your life here is but a breath!

See our time is so valuable and can be lost so easily in so many different things. I wondered if that lady could speak into all of our lives, what would she say? I think she would look all of us in the eye and tell us to take hold of every moment we have and live life; for one day you will hear your birthday song for the 70th time too. What will you be thinking when its your song being sung to you. Is our Birthday songs passing us by?

My frustration came from knowing that my time was passing me by and that I was that much closer to my birthday song, not having done a thing. This frustration almost scared me thinking that one day it will be me sitting at that table hearing my song. But what will I be thinking?

See I believe the Lord has a calling on each one of us to advance His Kingdom here on earth. The Lord commands us to make disciples and to run this race as to get the prize. He has this holy calling on each one of us to live righteous lives, living each moment for Him. I wonder if that lady were Jesus, and they were singing his birthday song, what would you say about the life He lived. Did He spend his time wisely? Or better yet, what would he lean over and say to you? I don't know about you, but I don't want to be sitting in that chair hearing my 70th birthday song wishing I could go back. I want to hear my birthday song knowing that if it were my last, the world around me was changed!