> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://brewedfaith.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Birthday Thoughts...
- URL: https://brewedfaith.ca/birthday-thoughts/
- Published: 2018-06-10T01:20:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T04:50:34.000Z
- Author: Tim Gibb
- Tags: Leadership, Soul Care, Uncategorized, dependence, learning, My Birthday, Relationships, self care, #Migrated-1786683019158, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-14 00:50

It's my birthday.

I have never really liked celebrating the process of aging, but over the past couple of years I have come to realize that it can be a time of learning and growth. It has become a time for me to reflect on what has been important to me over the year and focus on some of the things that God has taught me.

So here it goes. Here are three things that God has really imparted to me this past year:

1. Dependence on Him.

Don't get me wrong, I have known for a long time that I need to depend on God, but the last year has taught me just how much I was depending on myself - and it was way to much. If I take one of my life verses seriously (I talk about this verse, Philippians 1:6 here: [When I Feel Lost and Hopeless](https://brewedfaith.ca/when-i-feel-lost-and-hopeless/)) my confidence in God's work needs to be evidenced through my dependence on him.

I need to be in the unapologetically in God's word and in prayer. My strength comes from him, my wisdom comes from him and I need to be reminded of this constantly.

 2\. Do Life with Others.

It can be really easy to do life alone. With all the technology at our fingertips and in our pockets our need for others to be around is at an all time low. In fact I can order food online so I don't have to leave the house or pay my bills online so I don't have to talk with anyone on the phone or visit a bank. When it comes to marriage or parenting, I could easily be present but not available as I sit on my phone in cyberspace.

This year it has been made more evident to me than any other year that I need to do life together with other people. I need my wife, family and friends. God designed us to be in community, to live life with others and enjoy companionship. I need to put down the smart phone and be present with the people that God has put in my life to develop, enjoy and live life with.

3\. Take Care of Yourself.

Wow! This one has been a hard one to begin learning. After day surgery in March I found myself struggling to do the things I normally would have done easily a few years ago. I realized that I am not 18 anymore (I know I still look it but it just isn't the case). My body can't handle the punishment that I put it through with lack of sleep and poor eating habits.

Proper fruits and veggies and exercise, sleep and rest are all important things that I have had to really begin to put in place. These are necessary so that I can work better, play harder and be available for my family.

Every year I realize that I have begun learning new things. It means I'm not an old dog, and I hope I never get to the point where I can't learn new tricks.

What new things are you learning?