Birthday's and the Cross...

Whenever I have a birthday I get really excited. Another year's gone, and a brand new one is here for trying new things, and making new memories. I also feel really guilty when I look back over the year, and I think of all the things I could have done differently. I could have given a softer answer to that person, been more of a help, been more considerate. I "could have" but I didn't. So why would my family want to bless me with a day of my own, that revolves around me? Why would they want to give me presents, and birthday cards full of affection and love in written form? Why?...because they love me. That, to me, is a small glimpse of what Christ did on the cross for me. Why should He, King of the universe, have to die on the cross for me, a selfish, earthly sinner? What did I do to deserve such a priceless gift? What part of me is good? Sure, I may think that I have "good" qualities, but I don't. I know I'm not perfect, not even close. So, why did He die for me? Why? He did it because He loves me. HE LOVES ME!!! Wow!! Jesus loves me so much that He came to die such a horrible, painful, and shameful death on the cross, all for me. That is an AMAZING picture of love.

So, in this upcoming year, I'm going to strive to have more love-centered qualities, and others-centered deeds, and not self-centered ones. I just have to remind myself that Christ died on the cross to show His love to me, so I can easily (with His help) show my love to others in many different ways.