I’m not usually one to make much of birthdays. I can’t say there’s a specific reason. I haven’t experienced any trauma. It’s just not a big deal to me. (Although I did have a fantastic 50th birthday party at my house with 70 of my closest friends and family because I had literally (the day before) finished radiation and chemo treatments.) But yesterday, I turned 54 years old. So I thought maybe a bit of reflection and sharing might be a good idea.
RANDOM THOUGHTS:
- I’m beyond blessed to be alive today.
- The definition of friend has dramatically changed for me over the years.
- Going for a Sunday drive shouldn’t be reserved for Sundays only.
- Finding a good spot to watch the sunrise and the sunset is a new mercy every day.
- We don’t put enough value on time.
- Sometimes, laughing with your granddaughter over a cheeseburger and fries is the best part of your day. Other times, it’s driving down the road with the music blaring and both of you singing at the top of your lungs.
- When you realize that the sister you wanted to smother with a pillow has become a friend ~ that’s a good day!
- Knowing that “things” aren’t important is a game-changer. No joke.
- The most important qualities and characteristics of a spouse will likely shift as you experience life. Pay attention.
- Forgive. That’s all.
- Spend more time with an apron on and a good recipe stirring up. Even if you think you don’t like it. Do it anyway.
- Always take the call when it’s your kids. You don’t always need to say, “Yes”. But always take the call.
- Never miss an opportunity to say, “I love you”. (I realize this one is obvious and stated over and over. But we still miss it.)
- Create more margin. That spontaneous invitation to brunch with a friend could be more than meets the eye.
- Brothers come in a variety of packages. I wish I had more time with both of mine. For so many reasons.
- The sister that flies-under-the-radar most of the time; that’s the one you should pay the most attention to. She’s storming gates you never imagined.
- Quiet and solitude ~ we need more of it. Force yourself to sit alone with your thoughts and emotions. I’ve never actually been alone; not once.
- Listen to your friends. (Please refer back to #2.) They often love you enough to tell you hard things.
- Go barefoot every chance you get. Don’t argue with me. Just do it.
- Sometimes going to the porch with a book is the right choice. The dishes can wait. (They literally DO wait.)
- Baby sisters are teaching you something, too. They didn’t experience life the same way you did. But you’ll always defend them. Watch and listen.
- Plant a garden. Maybe it’s the world’s smallest garden. Doesn’t matter. Touching the dirt and watching the growth before harvesting the bounty does something to you.
- A sister that has walked cancer and divorce and all of the ugliness that comes with those things………God knew long ago. We needed each other.
- Sometimes your job isn’t spreadsheets or power points or meetings or one more annoying voicemail. Sometimes you just need to turn your chair and hear someone. They might be speaking without words.
- Moms have a unique role. I’m still learning. I literally wouldn’t be a fraction of who I am today without the two God gave me. (I’m a problem. I required more than one.) Blessed is an understatement.
It would be silly to try to suggest that I could create a list of all the things I’ve learned or continue to discover. It’s also a bit presumptuous to think someone else might simply read a list and suddenly make a change. (I for one, tend to blaze my own trail and learn the hard way.) But I’ve also recently learned a thing or two about obedience. I don’t always understand what God’s calling me to do. And quite honestly, at times, it’s scary. Yet even in looking back at my earthly dad, he never asked or told me to do anything that would harm me. I was just supposed to trust his wisdom and be obedient. WOW!
This is what it looks like to be “54”. I think I like it.