I stopped celebrating my birthday when I got into high school. My mom would ask me, “Do you want a party, or do you want money?” I chose money all the time. I thought it was the smart thing to do, even though I couldn’t remember what I did with my money even if I tried. I got used to this habit of not celebrating my birthday and there’s nothing wrong with that.
It was my birthday a few days ago and it was just a regular day for me. Nothing special. No reason to celebrate. When I got to work, my colleague surprised me with a cake. He didn’t have to, but he baked me a dream cake. My wife said that It was a complicated cake to bake. I did appreciate the gesture.
After putting the cake inside the kitchen fridge, I went to the call centre in our building to provide support to my trainees who were taking calls as part of the training program. Everyone in the call centre greeted me, and I was surprised because I didn’t tell anyone about my birthday. I didn’t know how to respond. It felt nice but it got a bit awkward only because I didn’t know what to say.
After taking calls, my trainees and I met in our training room. When we got there, my trainees surprised me with a special mango cake that they bought from a popular bake shop. The gesture reminded me of the not-so-random conversation I had with one of my trainees. My trainee asked me what my favourite fruit was a few days back, which I responded with “mango,” and there I was with a mango cake in my hand.
My trainees also gave me a few gifts— a box of chocolates and a set of scented candles. They already gave me a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates a few days back, so I didn’t expect them to provide me with another gift. I can’t explain why these people exerted effort to show kindness to me. I didn’t expect it, I didn’t ask for it but to be honest, I enjoyed every minute of it. I thanked them with all my heart not because they gave me things, but because they felt it was necessary to show me kindness.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 11:24-25
New International Version (NIV)
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People who show kindness to other people open themselves to more blessings.
It is stated in the Bible that we receive blessings from God to bless others. Based on this birthday experience, I could say that it is good to be on the receiving end of kindness. However, I encourage everyone to be on the giving end, to be part of the few people who make the world a better place. If we choose to be the giver, we position ourselves to receive the perfect blessings from God. Be kind!
Thank you for reading this devotional story and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website. You might find Be Part Of the Handful, Deny Yourself, Fish Love, God's Love in Action and I Did Good interesting.
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