It's my birthday today, my 74th birthday to be exact. Birthdays are a time for reflection so here are a couple thoughts I've had today...
1. Gratitude! I have to admit I check the obituaries more frequently now that I used to and it has struck me that many of the people listed there did not have the gift of 74 years. I am BLESSED.
2. Gratitude! It's a beautiful morning to be alive and I'm in such good health. I realize that this is only due to mercy and grace of God and I am deeply and profoundly grateful for these gifts. Oh sure, it isn't as easy to jump out of my recliner as it used to be and the twinges of arthritis are there in multiple joints BUT I have strength and mobility in spite of it. I am BLESSED!
3. Gratitude! I'm deeply grateful for my husband and family that surrounds me. We do not take it for granted that we have ALL our children and grandchildren living near us - what an enormous gift that is. And I'm so grateful for the help they are to us, Anne and Kenji every single day in a multitude of ways, but the others chipping in cheerfully and sacrificially as needed. The therapy that the gym provides for us is of inestimable value so we're grateful to God that He has enabled Anne and Kenji to provide this for us for ten whole years now! I hate to think where we'd be if we hadn't had it. We are BLESSED!
4. Hope. The older I get the more profoundly I grasp that God loves me and is at work in me and that is my ONLY hope for this deeply flawed and sinful person. I am amazed and grateful for that grace. Without it, it would be difficult to come to the last stretch of the journey and be overwhelmed by regrets and disappointments. But by grace I know it's all been dealt with at the cross and I AM FREE. Free to love, to serve and to be joyful. "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast, and one which enters within the veil." Hebrews 6:19 Hallelujah!
5. Expectancy. I know without a doubt that as long as God gives me life He has a purpose for me. When I have fulfilled His purpose, He will take me home. So I can wake up each day and be filled with assurance that this isn't just another day - it is a day of purpose and I am filled with expectancy, not just for today but for the days (and possibly years) ahead. I don't dread what's ahead, even though I know some of it might be very hard indeed. I have full confidence in God's wisdom, sovereignty and grace that will be sufficient for whatever He allows.
6. Astonishment! When I look back on my life I am simply astonished at the paths God has taken me on. If anyone had told my 18 year old self the destinations, relationships, privileges and yes, hardships, my journey would have, I simply would not have believed it. What an absolute adventure life has been and it's been way better than anything I could have ever dreamed up for myself. Let the adventure continue!
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