I haven’t been able to celebrate my mom’s birthday with her for 5 years now. That however has not deterred me from celebrating her life and the wonderful memories we shared. I can’t imagine life without this special day.

When Jesus was growing up He was taught about several occasions that gave cause to celebrate. When you study His life and ministry you see that even in His final days on earth He had made preparations to celebrate a passover meal with His closest friends.

In Jesus’ case His “last supper” was spent retelling the story of the Jew’s escape from their enslavement to Egypt. God’s final plague upon the Egyptians was so devastating their leader, Pharoah, finally was forced to let the Israelites flee. Because of God’s immense mercy, the Jew’s did not suffer the incredible loss that the Egyptians had, instead their homes were passed-over and they were protected from harm. Thus the cause for celebration.

Now, when I celebrate my mom’s birthday, I can take the time to thank God for giving me a wonderful mom and for giving her a good life during her time here on earth.

The celebration days are a good excuse to pause, reflect, remember, learn, and be grateful for what we have.

Before I wrap this up, I understand that some events are a little bittersweet. Jesus certainly understood that. Even in their passover meal they ate bitter foods that reminded them of the hardships they’d faced as a nation, as slaves. Beyond that, Jesus knew that He was facing imminent death. My mom is no longer here and I miss her. All of these are true.

Also true are the realities Jesus conquered death, forever. The Savior of the world came from this same nation that has suffered many hardships. And my mom had a full life to love and be loved.

So celebrate! Remember! Learn from those people and events that have gone on before you. And above all be grateful.