Birthdays and Advent

I celebrated my 24th birthday last week. There is so much joy that I was given from the birthday wishes of my friends and family. Since my birthday fell on a weekday I saved party plans for the weekend, giving me some good time to think about my birthday falling during Advent.

I was due on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of my favorite feasts. God, however, chose for my birthday to be December 9th the feast of St. Juan Diego. My heroic mother labored for over 30 hours, in the midst of which they let her eat some jello to keep her strength up.

When I was thinking about my birthday, the realization of being chosen for this time sank in. It's been a journey of discovery, which we are all called to travel. I feel like discovery has both been a long time coming as well as a joy in the trials. It, truly, is just beginning and I know that there are more trials ahead, but I can say with certainty that I have discovered my worth.

That sentence, by itself, could sound a little shady, so let me elaborate. I was blessed to grow up in a loving and supportive family who helped me along my journey. They have always been my north star. No matter where life takes me or what I do, I know that when I come home, everything is right. They taught me early, the value of life, especially my own. So when I say that I've discovered my worth I don't mean it in terms of personal value, but as a person.

What's the difference? Well, what makes up a person? Choices, experience, relationships, artistic ideas, interests etc. etc. Too often in this world society crushes young people with the mantra of trying to fit in or to be something acceptable to the standards showcased around them. Value is inalienable, a right we carry with us as people. But person answers the question, who am I?

Answering this question is extremely painful, which explains my love for St. Paul and his "Chains and Sacrifice." To come to accept the answer to the question, "Who am I?" you have to come to grips with the whole not just the parts you're proud of. The realization that Christ chose me for this time, flaws and all for a reason, is filled with hope. The beautiful thing about being born during Advent, is that I will always be truly mindful of Christ's birth. That awareness walks hand and hand with the truth that he came to die for me. Chosen.

Do I know why? Nope, it's part of the discovery. What an exciting adventure life is.