Earlier this week I celebrated my birthday, my 67th birthday, SIXTY-SEVENTH birthday … Holy Moley! When did that happen?!?

It was a day much like any other, busy with all the things that fill my life these days – family needs like the grocery store excursion with my mom, fixing meals for my “under-the-weather” husband, lending emotional support while he tends to his ailing mom; completing a few tasks for my church; taking care of a couple of to-do list items at work; running an errand for a friend; and so the day quickly evaporated.

However, throughout the day, beginning at 12:24am, I heard my smart phone pinging with “Happy Birthday!” wishes from so many friends and family! And although I couldn’t stop and respond to each one as they came through, I was encouraged by the thoughtfulness and kindness of all those who took a moment to send their blessings! Each of those “pings” reminded me that I am not alone. I have loved ones, near and far, who care enough to take the time to say “Happy Birthday”.

I must admit that during these past few months, I’ve felt somewhat isolated as I’ve made home and husband my priority; and severed, at least temporarily, my ties to other commitments like church and friends and extended family. I have no doubt that this new prioritization of my life is precisely what I’ve been called to do at this season of my life. BUT, it’s been challenging to be content! So, hearing all those “pings” reminded me that I’m not forgotten! Thank you, friends and family, for the encouragement and HOPE you sent my way on my birthday.

Since January 13, 2007, birthdays are more than anniversaries of my birth, they are milestone markers on my survival journey. Every January 13th since 2007 is a reminder that God has granted me another year of life. And on each birthday I make a renewed commitment to not just survive but to thrive, and to not waste any opportunity that He gives me to offer HOPE and encouragement to others.

Let’s face it, we’re all on survival journeys! Some of us are still on that bumpy cancer road, or we’re reeling from a wrecked relationship, or we’re facing a financial failure, or we’re recovering from the death of a loved one, or we’re coping with wayward children, or maybe we’re just adjusting to a new season of life (Happy Birthday!). No matter what our individual journey looks like God offers HOPE through His Word, through His Church, through His Children, and through prayer!

Look at the HOPE Jesus offers in His Word: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Now that gives me HOPE!

And how about the HOPE He promises for the future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 NIV)

His Body, the Church, whether big or small, is a safe place for His Children to find support and love and Hope. But sometimes, when circumstances prevent you from being in the presence of His Body, that support comes through “pings” on the ole smartphone from His Children offering love and HOPE via technology!

And the assurance that the Father is always waiting to hear our hearts through prayer (For he is always watching, never sleeping. Psalm 121:4 TLB); and the Holy Spirit comes along side us to help us pray when we don’t even know what to pray (the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 NIV), is the ultimate offering of HOPE on our survival journey.

So thank you for your many “Happy Birthday” wishes! And know that those two simple words conveyed a monumental message of HOPE to me on my journey.

What journey are you on today? How have you found HOPE to survive that journey?