As much as birthday gifts can make us happy, the real joy comes from the presence of the ones we love. The presence of our friends and family will always be better than any birthday party, any birthday card, or any bouquet of flowers. No matter the cost of the gift, I promise just spending time with someone, or if you can't then letting them know that you are thinking about them is better than any expensive gift. For your friends birthday's in the future I encourage you to lift others up, let them know you are there and giving them wonderful presence that they will remember over any birthday present!

Here's the thing, gifts-- as thoughtful as they can be, can also be on the surface level, but presence is where our love runs deep and where we get the moment of feeling special and feeling loved by others. Okay, so gifts aren't all bad though! There are plenty of very thoughtful inexpensive gifts, and just some great gifts in all, but spending time with your close friends and family beats all of those gifts any day! There's no secret that everyone loves getting things whether its a gift or a card or even a text, but what we don't realize is how much stronger the impact of someone's presence really is.

So why is presence so much better than a present? Are you going to remember who brought you a birthday gift twenty years from now? Probably not, or maybe you will-- who knows, but the presence of someone is something you won't forget. Being celebrated with people who care is something that is a gift in itself. Having the presence of your friends and family is something that makes people feel truly special- more special than any gift card could.

Birthdays aren't about the gifts you can give, but rather the presence of your friendship through every special occasion. It is okay to enjoy gifts, but the true joy will always come from good relationships with others, not just tangible items. In fact, presence over what you can offer is about far more than just birthdays or holidays, any relationship shouldn't be about what you can give or receive but the time spent together and the presence in eachothers lives.

Birthday presents come and go but the presence of others leaves the mark on our heart and will forever leave memories. This year, for my birthday, and for others around me, I hope you receive presence from those who truly love you and that, that presence will bring you true joy! Be grateful for the gifts along the way, but cherish the time because time is truly priceless.