We have a birthday tradition in my family, learned from former small group leaders Betsy and Jim Michalik.  We look for the best in one another, and call it out.

Whoever’s birthday it is (today, it’s my youngest daughter’s), the rest of us consider the way we’ve seen them grow in the past year, their character and gifting, where we see strength, hopes for their coming year — and we just speak this blessing out over them.

Having been on the receiving end of this, I can tell you its amazing.  To have the people you love affirm you and cheer you on, one after another, just blows you up.  This is a gift worth giving to the people that matter in your life.

Betsy, Jim – thanks for teaching this to me.