Happy Birthday??

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

And have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

Isaiah 49:15

How is it possible for a mother to forget her own child’s birthday?  I have no answer to that question, certainly no excuses, but it happened to me this week and I am still reeling from the possible implications concerning my own mental health, as well as dealing with the feelings of stupidity and inadequacy.  My eldest child’s birthday was Thursday, and I sailed through the day without any recognition of its importance.

She called me last night, and during our conversation, she mentioned that her boyfriend’s birthday was today.  I asked how old he was going to be, and as I calculated in my head his age vs. hers, it hit me.  I could not have been more humiliated.  She laughed and was very gracious, but I felt about an inch tall, if that!  Today it is still playing over and over in my head:  How could you?  I have no idea.

Isaiah’s text indicates that it is, indeed, possible to forget things concerning our own children - frail humans that we are, but in God’s direct words, “I will not forget you!”  How grateful I am for that assurance.  While I wander through life in a haze of busyness and distraction, God knows exactly where I am, how many hairs are on my head, and what day my birthday is!  Now if He can just help me remember next September 29…