Just Passing Thru

fiesta

A person's 50th birthday is in every aspect a milestone to celebrate. Turning gold at the age of 50 years old puts a person in a special crossroad to a path which can be chosen by the celebrant wherever he or she sees fit. After some time of letting other people decide on how his or her birthday is celebrated, a golden birth anniversary celebrant can now have a say.

A Not-So-Ordinary Party

Holding a party is still the most common way to celebrate a 50th birthday. It can be made unique and one-of-a-kind by a chosen theme. Some of the suggested physical set-up includes a gold color motif, a picture motif comprised of the most memorable pictures of the celebrant strategically arranged in the venue, or a period theme set in the decade the celebrant was born.

Another great idea is to invite only guests who are at least 50 years old. The celebrant can also request for gifts of gold or some others things that can make the event different from past birthdays. Partying however is only one option.

50 Things To-Do List

In lieu of a party, a person approaching his or her 50th birthday can make a special 50 Things To-Do List which he or can start on the 49th birthday. The idea is to accomplish 50 things that the celebrant wishes to do and complete the list on or before the day of the 50th birthday. These 50 things can be comprised of simple joys in life like finally pursuing a sport, signing up for charity work, or anything that a person has always wanted to do and yet didn't for some reason.

This is somewhat similar to a bucket list which lists the things a person wants to do before dying. Although the age of 50 is seen by many as an age where the risk of death increases due to the natural decline of the physical body, a To-Do list on the 50th birthday is more of a celebration of life rather than anything else. A person's 50th birthday is an opportune time to make life-changing decisions that can make life more worth living and joyful.

My Say

This birthday milestone is the nearest that I have to face at this time which made me think very hard of how I would like to celebrate mine when my time comes. Although I fancy the idea of having a grand party with all my my relatives, friends , and other people who matter to me in attendance, the 50 Things To-Do List seems like a very exciting and challenging thing to do because I'm sure it will be a very personal journey of discovery.

Our personal situations and responsibilities usually limit what we can do so I am just imagining the joy of having the ultimate freedom to pursue 50 things that I've always wanted to do in my life. I can almost feel the exhilaration. It would be so fulfilling to do something without guilt, time constraint and stress.

That said, I have so many things going in my mind about these 50 things to do that I am actually looking forward to my own golden year. I still have plenty of time before my own 50th but this idea really fired me up to make me start my list right now.

child's 1st birthday party

The First Birthday

9:17 PM

The first birthday of a child is one the most widely celebrated events in a person's life across the world and various cultures. For most people, the completion of one year holds special significance. The remarkable change from a totally helpless infant to a toddler who is slowly but surely discovering the world is something that all families would like to celebrate.

The Year That Was

A child's first birthday is probably a triumph of parents as well as the celebrant. A baby is born into this world with complete dependence on one or two parents. Everything has to be done for the child.

During the year, there will be several milestones observed along the way. First words and first steps are monumental milestones that happen at about this time. There will be other firsts - first smile, first laugh, first full night sleep, first sit, first crawl, first wave, first solid food, and first stand. All these firsts are sought to be captured in photos to look back to in some future time.

The Year That is About to Come

What is special about the first birthday and the year to come is that it signals more major firsts like running, climbing, eating, playing, scribbling, and some real talking. This is a signal that a child will be gaining more mobility and independence. With a child's new-found abilities, he or she travels the path of discovery.

The first birthday is an event of expectation. It is a true celebration of life where a child can now participate more. It is just the first of what is expected to be a long counting of yearly birthdays until death. It is of special note that some cultures put emphasis on celebrating first birthdays by reason of some existing beliefs. Some believe that celebrating a birthday helps to ward off evil spirits because of the presence of friends and family who bring with them good thoughts and wishes. In Korea, the practice of celebrating the first birthday stemmed from gratitude that a child survived the first year as there was a time that the death toll for children was extremely high because of lack of medical knowledge to address various childhood diseases.

My Say

In spite of the common practice of celebrating the first birthday of a child, there are parents who are not especially keen on doing this because of their contention that a one-year-old child is in no position to appreciate such a celebration. Every parent has the right to decide on how to celebrate for a child's first birthday and there is really nothing wrong in opting for a more quiet and private celebration. It is my personal view however that a child's first birthday is very much a celebration of family as much as it is for the child.

That said, I favor holding even a modest celebration in honor of the first birthday of a child. For me, it is part of a child's wonderful memories which he or she can reminisce at a later date through pictures or video. One year old children may not remember the details of their birthday celebrations but parents and family who have taken the time to document this important milestone can still give the gift of happy memories and traditions.

Photo credit: Special thanks to Marie Paz for allowing me to use these pictures from her daughter's first birthday celebration.

Bible

Faith Begins from Listening

7:24 AM

Image Credit

I heard a very good definition of faith today during a Bible Convention which I attended together with the other members of the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) in our area. Faith is said to be the human response to the God that speaks to us. It is also said to be the human response of love to a God that loved us first.

How do Children Learn about Faith?

Faith is a product of upbringing. New-born children do not get to choose their religion. It is a matter usually decided upon by default as dictated by the parents' belief.

Faith is then reinforced primarily in the home and school environment during childhood. Their religious actions are usually dictated upon by a figure of authority such as a parent, a teacher, or a religious. As people grow older, there will be external factors that will either reinforce or weaken their faith.

How do Adults Learn about Faith?

Adults build on their existing faith primarily by studying and understanding the word of God. There are questions that usually arise that may encourage them to search for answers beyond their existing belief. Many tend to hold on to the faith they have known all their lives while some will choose to change. It would depend on how deeply-rooted a person's faith is and how such faith has been made to be part of a person's daily life.

Those who actively seek a deeper understanding of their faith join groups and organizations that can lead them to the path they seek. Others become actively involved in church activities. Some will choose the less-traveled path of evangelizing which is never an easy thing to do.

My Say

The Pope who is the leader of the Catholic faith has called upon the laity to join in its call for new evangelization. This is most significant since we are on the Year of Faith. This is a call to participate in spreading God's word as found in the Bible. This is a call to help bring the word of God into the lives of people by preaching and listening.

That said, evangelization is not to be construed as a means to fight with other beliefs as there is nothing to be achieved from such an action. It is my personal belief that religions who call God by different names are actually calling on one especially if their goals are intended for the good of their God, others, and themselves. If it is for the common good, then there is absolutely nothing to disagree about.

In my faith, I find my peace and my rest. It is my hope that everyone does. Faith begins from listening.