Another year...

I'm another year older today and I don't mind a BIT! What a privilege to be alive, healthy and blessed far beyond what I deserve! Each birthday is a blessing and a gift ... I realize this more and more the older I get and the more I see suffering, sorrow and pain in lives all around us.

I was born in the latter half of the 70s, was a little girl in the 80s and a teenager in the 90s. Each birthday was a huge production when I was growing up..... themed parties, Easter egg hunts, slumber parties (where no one slept). I remember eating out of the "you are special" plate at supper, and having a huge breakfast in bed. Mom and Dad always made a big deal out of birthdays. I never tired of hearing the story of the night/morning that I came into the world and mama always told me again every year. After marriage, my precious husband has continued the breakfast in bed tradition, the fanfare, the presents, the cake, the works.

Today has been a little different. I woke up this morning to the sounds of a sweet 3 year old saying "Oh, mama today is you bur-day, you are a BIG girl now, mama!" while covering my face with kisses and singing "Happy Birthday", while a sweet little 1 1/2 year old clapped excitedly. There was no mom and dad here this morning, no siblings sitting on my bed watching me open gifts after my grand breakfast, no husband to give a happy birthday kiss (though phone calls from overseas are VERY sweet). But tonight will be a very grown up birthday party at a very grown up restaurant with my sister and some friends. My parents will be babysitting their grandchildren while their mommy is having the ultimate girl's night out. A very different birthday? Oh, yes. But still a wonderful birthday with every reason in the world to celebrate.
Psalm 139:13
Happy Friday and
Much Love