I have ushered in my 50’s in a pretty perfect way. This morning I preached for the first time in over a year. I wasn’t nervous, I was just happy to be where I belonged. Sharing the Good News is truly a calling on my life. My men took me to lunch and then we came home. I immediately went to my computer to get some schoolwork done and I heard my husband and youngest bustling in the kitchen baking me a cake. The afternoon was quiet as I continued to get my work completed.
Then my oldest son made dinner. I didn’t need to lift a finger. My husband washed clothes and my youngest pulled weeds from my flower bed. Nothing exciting, just the normal routine in our home. The best part was yet to come.
My Facebook page blew up with birthday wishes! As I answered each one I realized I smiled the entire time as I thought about how each person had come into my life. Friends from high school, colleagues, church friends, family and some of my closest friends stopped for a second to wish me a happy birthday. I think it is my favorite Facebook feature.
After dinner my guys lit the candles on my cake and sang to me. Then we began the toasts. In our home each person has a glass of wine, or apple juice, raises their glass and gives a toast. The words my men showered me with were more precious than any exciting trip or gift could possible give. They each looked me in the eyes and shared from their hearts. But I needed to give one final toast.
October 7th is not only the day I was born, it is the day my father left this world eleven years ago. This year was especially bittersweet. I felt his presence around me, affirming me in all the things that I do. I see my dad’s expressions in the faces of my sons, which quite honestly, catches me off guard. Those split-second moments when an eyebrow is raised, or a smile comes across their face is when I see my dad. It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does I know that my dad is with me.
We didn’t take a single picture today, but there was not one that could have captured the beauty of the day. I am abundantly blessed by my Creator. I have more than my share of blessings and today I give thanks for each and every one.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- the opportunity to preach
- candles and cake
- hugs
- homework
- the love from my men
