March 25, 2016. Nothing extraordinary about that date for most people. It is the Friday before Easter, which makes it Good Friday. But it is something extra for me, as it is my birthday. I don’t think my birthday has ever fallen on Good Friday before, but it might have. Those two things don’t draw much attention, and this next part will mean more to me that it will to other people.

This is my 33rd birthday. Again, nothing spectacular, others have turned 33. One person in particular comes to mind. He accomplished a lot more than I ever will, or even could, yet I want to model my life after His. Where I have failed, He succeeded. He lived a life that I can’t, yet He lets me ride on His coat tails, in a manner of speaking.

My 33rd birthday was on the same day we observe the death of a 33 year old man that came to die in our place. A death that paid a debt we could never pay. More than that, He rose after 3 days, giving us the promise of resurrection.

I’d like to say that this realization will make me do so much better, but I know struggles will still meet me. I can rest assured that One greater than I has met these same struggles, and conquered them. Jesus stands ready to help me through them. That makes 33 look better.