Happy Birthday!!

Some approach birthdays with materialism. Inventorying gifts, correlating value to givers based on gift cost or quality and developing grudges against those who didn’t acknowledge their day.

Some approach birthdays with greed. Inviting all of the attention that one can garner regardless of true connection or reciprocal relationship.

Some approach birthdays with disappointment. Anguishing over things not achieved because it’s that title, that car, that job, that spouse, that body, that beauty, that strength that will mark personal success.

Some approach birthdays with nonchalance. Believing the day is just that: one day. Nothing special.

I approach my birthday with so much awe and wonder at life itself. Thankful for my days and years so far and welcoming so many more should God bless me with them.

Come, my friends, and celebrate with me!

But you’ll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you.
Let the party last all night!
Stand guard over our celebration.
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight.
Psalm 5:11-12 MSG

Recovered

I’m thankfully back in the land of the living with you. It seems as though I’ve lost about 2 weeks worth of abundant living due to some nasty ear and sinus infections. Thank you so much for the prayers and cards and all the things you've done to make me feel loved and cared for during my hiatus.

But, alas….I am well. It’s hard to keep a good woman down, eh?! But, may I share a bit of a "first" for me?

I gave myself permission to rest while my body went about the healing process.

I allowed myself to rest.

Appointments were cancelled while accommodating the unknown timeframe for wellness.

I allowed myself to rest.

My house was not in the usual state of order and cleanliness.

I allowed myself to rest.

My family ate, survived and found all necessary items.

I allowed myself to rest.

I didn't think in terms of what I was missing.

I allowed myself to rest.

Self-permission is sometimes hard but so rewarding when allowed.

“I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings.”

Psalm 116:7 MSG