It’s My Birthday: Eight Gems from The Past Year
I made it!!! Hallelujah! Thank you Jeeeesus!
Today I am 56 years old!
Happy Birthday to Me!
“Your birthday is the beginning of your own personal year. Your first birthday was a beginning, and each new birthday is a chance to begin again, to start over, to take a new grip on life.” —Wilfred Peterson
Age 55 delivered some Mike Tyson-like blows. I stumbled, staggered, but I did not stay down. I am still standing. Praise Him!!
Instead of complaining and reliving the sad moments, I have decided to reflect on the experiences, lessons, and blessings the past year served up.
In May, our son graduated high school. I don’t take this for granted. A lot of good kids did not live long enough to graduate high school. As a parent, you can follow the rules, and your child can still become a statistic. I kiss and hug him every day. He doesn't smile much, but I spare no silliness on my part to make him smile. Some days I make a total fool out of myself, and when he can’t hold the smile in any longer, his burst of laughter makes my day. He will never forget me for this.
God’s plan for you will always supersede the goals you have for yourself. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
I learned that the hurdles are intentional roadblocks and detours to prevent us from traveling down the wrong path. Before we had the luxury of Maps, Waze, and Google, when we approached a detour, before advancing, we stopped to reconsider the situation. I believe that God wants us to do just that. He is our navigator, and when we listen to His word and read His words, we will move mindfully and intentionally onto the right path.
Stop judging your parents. They did the best they could, and, at the end of the day, they love you. Their love may not fit the profile in your mind but, trust me, it is still okay. Sometimes we create these unrealistic fairytale expectations in our minds from shit we saw on TV as kids. But it ain’t real. Some people talk about their baggage while others do not. Accept the relationship for what it is and move. The only person you can change is yourself.
Make peace with the ones you love today. So you may have had a falling out with a family member or close friend. Shit happens, and that’s life. If you value the relationship enough, be the bigger person and reach out. Maybe it will work, maybe it won’t, but at least you tried. I have a family member who does not talk to me anymore. I am at peace knowing I reached out to them and tried to make amends, so I hold no feelings of hostility toward them. I have accepted their choice to bail out on the relationship. I am not sure why, but I’m cool with it and wish them well.
Nurture your friendships. It doesn’t matter where they live. Call, text, FaceTime, send them a random note card or gift. Make sure they know you are there for them through the good and bad times.
Cherish the memories of your loved ones who have passed. This is my first birthday without either parent. It’s a peculiar feeling; however, I know mother wouldn’t want me to be sad, so I’m going to take the shot of Hennessy that she would normally take for me.
Turn to Wonder. You don’t know what others are dealing with. Instead of quickly judging, turn to “Wonder.” “I wonder what happened to them today” “I wonder why they’re in such a hurry.? Wonder why they are not smiling today or why they are angry today. Wonder why their badldy worn shoes have not been replaced. Be kind, extend grace, and turn to wonder.
Be patient. What and who is meant for you is coming. Four years ago when I moved to Georgia, I set some very specific goals for myself. However, God said it wasn’t time. At first, I tried too hard to force it. One thing after another occurred and I kept getting derailed. I finally decided to just chill.
Today I am content with just Being.
“Queens
are
born in
August”
Now, I wake up and partake in everything I enjoy. Building my relationship with God, watering my flowers, listening to the church bells ring on the hour, smelling freshly brewed coffee, long walks, jogging, working out at the gym, vacationing, spending time with my family, and enjoying an evening cocktail on the front porch while waving to my neighbors going by.
Be Well!