My cell phone stared ringing at 7:47 AM this beautiful Saturday morning, but I was excited. I knew that it had to be one of my lovely children and, sure enough, after I slid the lock over I started hearing the beautiful baritone strains of “Happy Birthday to you” coming from my youngest son. I smiled and tears came to my eyes as I thanked God for this wake-up blessing.
I left my hubby snoring away, let the dog out and made coffee. Then I grabbed my Bible and started to read my daily devotion, but wait, the coffee isn’t done yet, maybe I’ll check my Farmville! Another birthday wish! This one from my “lifelong” friend, at least it feels that way, Nancy. We have had some ups and downs, ins and outs in our friendship, but I never lost sight of the fact that she was always there no matter what. Since I met her we have raised toddlers into adults and seen the fruit of our labors (pun intended) produce their own children. Today her family is joining ours for a Memorial Weekend picnic. I can’t wait. Yes, Lord, I am blessed.
OK, coffee is done time to go out on the porch and do my devotions. The cell phone rings again. “Happy Birthday to the most beautiful, smartest, kindest, most spiritual, most wonderful mother of all” rings in my ears. I can’t stop smiling. Thank you Nancy for that beautiful rendition. The best part was when she ended it with, “And someday I want to be just like you.” Thank you God, for making me someone that my daughter can pattern her life after. I’ve not always been perfect, but I am thankful that God is with me and reminding me that my children are watching so I quickly confess, and move into a closer relation with Him and them.
My favorite start for the day is to sit on the swing on my back porch and listen to the birds sing as I take God’s Word into my spirit and pray as He leads me. I am so blessed, sometimes it overwhelms me.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the day holds. As I am writing this, I see a pop-up from my oldest son saying, “Happy Birthday, Mom, we love you.” Yes, and I love you, too. So much it hurts sometimes because my heart just does not seem to be big enough to contain all the love I have form my hubby, children and grandchildren. Oh, and did I forget to mention my 2 great-grandchildren???
I thank God for allowing me to celebrate the end of my 61 years on earth. I know that things are changing in my life as I go through the phases. Sometimes I sit and wonder what is next. But God always brings me around and lets me know that He is not done with me yet. “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8. I don’t think that God is going to leave me here on earth for a thousand years, but if He does, I want to use each one for Him. I want to share His love that has brought me through so many life situations. I want to be the example for my grandchildren of how much better it is to live for God than it is to live for the world. I want everyone to see that God has a better plan, a deeper joy, and that His Word is the only instruction we need.
Yes, I am blessed. And even though I turn 61 today, I’m not done. Happy Birthday to Me!
Heart Notes of Life 