Ep. 78 || Birthday Parties: Celebrating God’s Good Work
From elaborate, Pinterest-worthy birthday bashes to simple celebrations with donuts and family, birthday parties can look wildly different in every family. But for moms today, planning a birthday party can feel a little like a competition against online strangers, our friends, and even ourselves. One thing all parties do is reveal a mom’s heart. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss birthday parties and ask, “What’s our heart motivation?” Since our worth is secure with Christ, moms can stop chasing perfection, even in something like party planning. The gospel invites us to see each birthday as pause for a yearly celebration of God’s work in our children’s lives.
We want to recognize that birthdays can be hard for moms who have lost a child too soon, either inside or outside of the womb. Moms who have experienced miscarriage and infant loss can also glorify God as they mourn and celebrate what God did in and through that child’s life, even if it was short. Even though we don’t address this directly in the show, we’re thinking about you, and hope you will be blessed and encouraged by some of these resources:
Articles, Resources and Related Content:
FAQ: Should I Curtain Grandparent Gift-Giving - Jen Wilkin
Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World - Kristin Welch
Mom Enough - Desiring God
Recovering From Perfect Mom Syndrome - Melissa Kruger, The Gospel Coalition
They Shall Know Us by Our Parties - Catherine Parks, Christianity Today
The Amazing Calling of Being "Mom'' - Trillia Newbell, Desiring God
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R|M Apply Questions:
There can be a lot of messy motivations in a momma’s heart when it comes to birthday parties -- or any other time, right? By God’s grace, the truth of the gospel brings hope - not guilt - as we learn how to glorify him in everything we do (Ps. 86:8-12). When we have a gospel perspective on birthday parties, we begin to see how God values life, creativity, tradition, and rejoicing with others. As moms, we can show God’s love to our children by celebrating their birthdays in light of these truths.
Birthday parties are parties! They’re celebrations of God’s faithfulness to your child whom he loves with specificity and intentionality. What are some specific and special ways you can make your child feel known and celebrated?
We’re not defined by how we do parties, whether we’re doing the elaborate or simple. Some moms are serving by shining with creativity and some are serving by aiming for sustainability -- what matters is the heart. How can you use your specific gifts when planning your next birthday party?
As the creator of all things, God values birth and life. He made each of us in his image and for his glory! When you think of God’s faithfulness in your child’s life this last year, what stands out to you? In what ways has your child become more like Jesus this year?
Followers of Christ are called to go and make disciples, which can seem undoable in the everyday busyness of motherhood. Laura and Emily mentioned using birthday parties as a way to minister to other people in your community, like your neighborhood, child’s school, etc. What are some ways you could invite unbelievers into the annual celebrations of your family?
Ultimately, our hope lies in the best and biggest celebration in heaven! As we train our children in God’s word, we have the joy and responsibility of bringing the gospel into the big and small moments of their lives. How can you use your child’s birthday party to point them to Christ?
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