Birthday Celebration?

#2025-0324

Many friends have sent me birthday blessings this year, and I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude here and now.

To be honest, I tend to forget my own birthday. Even when I’m reminded, I don’t feel the need to make any special plans to celebrate. In the past, birthdays were often seen as mŭ nàn rì (母難日)—a time to reflect on a mother’s pain during childbirth rather than a day of personal joy. So how can we celebrate our birthdays without remembering the hardships our mothers endured?

However, as time passed and life became more prosperous, birthday celebrations became more common and intentional, regardless of age.

Yesterday, I turned seventy-one. Since it was a Sunday, I went to church as usual. Rev. Lily and some friends remembered my birthday and greeted me with cheerful, heartfelt wishes. (Thank you, dear friends, for your kind words!)

Today, my wife and I decided to take a longer hike in the mountains (see photos below). According to our iPhone step counter, we both walked more than ten thousand steps!

= = =

相關文章 (See also)：

1)  Happy Birthday 2019     (2019)

2)  快樂蔬果 (For Our Happy Days!)     (2023)

3)  Celebration of Brothers' Birthdays!     (2023)