Today is my birthday! The big 3-8! Wow. 40 just keeps getting closer and closer. But it's not here yet so I'm going to enjoy the last 2 years of my thirties while I can.
Something dawned on me today. I don't know why it took 38 years for me to realize this but it did. There will never be another year 37 for me. It's gone. Over. Kaput. While you're busy living life, you don't stop to think about the fact that each year really is precious because it's a once in a lifetime year. At least I didn't. I find myself either getting bogged down in the minutiae of daily living or planning for the future and I don't ever really stop and think about the moments at hand. So when I started thinking about how 37 was gone and never coming back, I got a little sad.
It's tempting to be depressed about getting older. But while I was sitting in my car today mourning the loss of 37, I decided that I needed to reflect on not only that year, but all the years of my life and be grateful for them. And as my dad always says, having another birthday is definitely better than the alternative.
I am so grateful for the life God has given me. I'm alive and well. I'm thankful for the good health I've had so far.
I'm thankful for a merciful God who has given me more second chances than I deserve. He has always watched over me and helped me make right the messes that I made for myself.
I'm so thankful for the education I received--from the days of public school all the way through to my higher education.
I'm grateful for my beautiful family. I have a husband that would move heaven and earth for his wife and children if he could. And I have 3 beautiful, healthy kids that are my little, walking miracles. I'm thankful for my extended family--those still here and those that have already moved on--and what they have taught me and brought to my life.
I am thankful for my friends--those old and dear friends who are so close to me and such a part of my life that they are like family. I'm also grateful for the new friends that God has brought into my life. I know all of these people are there for a reason and I truly value each and every one.
I am thankful for the basic, material things that make my life easier--my home, my car, the clothes I wear and the food I eat.
There are many, many more things I could list here if I sat and gave it more thought. But I'm tired this evening--this first night of my 38th year. So it's time to sleep. Thank you, God, for letting me live to see another year. Please don't ever let me forget to make each year and every moment in it count. Happy birthday to me and good night!
