I went back to my wife's hometown in sitiawan over the weekend for my father-in-law's 80th birthday celebration. the first time i attended his birthday celebration was for his 60th birthday twenty-years ago, we were just married and did not have chidlren yet. the second time was for his 70th birthday celebration ten years ago. this time, both our children were present to celebrate with their grandfather-in-law. for the chinese people, birthday celebrations are auspicious events, especially for the 60th, 70th, 80th and 90th birthdays. these are 'big' birthday celebrations (in chinese called 'tai sau'). so, my brothers-in-law got together to plan the birthday lunch and sent out invitation cards to relatives and friends. no angpow was received for the occasion as it was meant to be a thanksgiving to God for watching over my father-in-law all these years.
Psalm 90 has a little to say about 80 years of age. Verse 10 reads 'as for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away'. Psalm 90 is a psalm i often use for preaching at funeral services but it is flexible enough to be used for birthday celebrations. it reminds us of our finitneness and mortality (compared with the infinite and immortal God). 80 years is a lot time in human terms but to God, it is just 'a watch in the night' or 'a yesterday when it passes by'. would my father-in-law live to celebrate his 90th birthday? only God knows. we should be thankful for each year of our life well lived.
That reminds me that i will hit the mid-century mark early next year!. my family is thinking of giving a big bash in the seminary and welcome friends and family members alike f.o.c. for the celebration. after all, 50 is a milestone in one's life.
Psalm 90 has a little to say about 80 years of age. Verse 10 reads 'as for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away'. Psalm 90 is a psalm i often use for preaching at funeral services but it is flexible enough to be used for birthday celebrations. it reminds us of our finitneness and mortality (compared with the infinite and immortal God). 80 years is a lot time in human terms but to God, it is just 'a watch in the night' or 'a yesterday when it passes by'. would my father-in-law live to celebrate his 90th birthday? only God knows. we should be thankful for each year of our life well lived.
That reminds me that i will hit the mid-century mark early next year!. my family is thinking of giving a big bash in the seminary and welcome friends and family members alike f.o.c. for the celebration. after all, 50 is a milestone in one's life.
Comments