On 30 May, I celebrated my Jubilee birthday. As I reflect on the days surrounding it, I find myself overwhelmed not by the gifts I received, but by the love that was shown to me. It was one of those moments that felt like a gentle kiss from heaven; a reminder from God that He sees us, knows us, and often expresses His love through people. For months, a group of incredible women quietly planned behind the scenes.
They organised invitations, sent reminders, arranged the venue, baked the birthday cake, coordinated the details, and carried the vision for the celebration. It was understated, just as I like it. What humbled me most was not the event itself, but the sacrifice, thoughtfulness, and care that went into it. The gifts were many. In truth, far more than I ever expected for a birthday celebration. Yet each gift represented something much deeper than its monetary value. Each one spoke of friendship, kindness, generosity, and love.
Then on Sunday, another unexpected blessing arrived. One of my many church nephews stood on stage and announced to the congregation that it was my birthday and encouraged people to find me and wish me well. Ha! What followed was a flood of love and encouragement from my church family. A couple of my church nieces surprised me with beautiful jewellery and two delicious cake-in-a-cup treats. They sang Happy Birthday to me and others quickly joined in. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by smiling faces, warm hugs, and genuine affection. Others stopped to share kind words, prayers, and blessings.
Many people signed my birthday book, leaving messages that I will treasure for years to come. As I read those messages, I found myself reflecting on God’s goodness. Life has not always been easy. Like many people, I have experienced seasons of joy and seasons of pain. There have been losses, disappointments, unanswered questions and prayers, and moments when everything seemed uncertain. Today, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness through every season.
One of the greatest gifts God has given me is people. People who have prayed for me. People who have encouraged me. People who have challenged me. People who have walked beside me. People who have celebrated my victories and walked alongside me through life’s challenging seasons.
As I reflect on the weekend, I realise that these relationships are among the richest blessings of my life. Many of the people who celebrated with me are not related to me by blood, yet they have become family in every way that matters. Through them, I have experienced God’s kindness, provision, comfort, and love.
This Jubilee birthday was not simply a celebration of fifty years of life. It was a celebration of God’s faithfulness across fifty years. It was a reminder that while achievements may come and go, relationships remain one of heaven’s greatest gifts. As I step into this new season, my heart is filled with gratitude.
Thank you, Lord, for every person you have placed in my life. Thank you for friendships that have stood the test of time. Thank you for family, church family, colleagues and my spiritual sons and daughters, nieces and nephews. Thank you for every prayer prayed, every encouraging word spoken, every act of kindness shown, and every expression of love received.
My Jubilee birthday reminded me of something I never want to forget: The greatest measure of a life is not what we accumulate, but the love we give and receive along the way. And this year, I experienced that love in abundance.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3
To God be all the glory.