Happy Birthday!

 

Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and deliver you. ~Isaiah 46:4

This past Sunday, March 1st, marks my 71st birthday!  This simply doesn't seem possible.  Memories of past celebrations come flooding back like a rain-swollen creek, inundating my mind with events of yesteryear that feel disarmingly present as a breath in the moment.  How did all that water of my life flow under the bridge without my realization of how swiftly it would flow?

I seriously doubt I'm the only one from the Baby Boomer era who feels the same way.  It reminds me of the scene in It's a Wonderful Life when an older gentleman sitting on his porch witnesses George and Mary conversing in a teasingly romantic way.  He becomes indignant at the banter and boldly advises George to go ahead and kiss her already!  George takes umbrage, telling the man to stick around if he wants to see some real kissing.  The old man waves him off in frustration with this classic rejoinder:  Youth is wasted on the wrong people!

Honestly, If I knew at age 25 what I know now, there are so many things I would have done differently.  But that's not God's plan.  He wants us to grow in His grace and wisdom over time.  He is infinitely patient with His beloved children.  As Pastor Jared so aptly states in his latest sermon, "God doesn't simply want us to know about Him, He wants us to know Him through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When I reflect upon where I am now compared to that lost, lonely soul I once was, I can see how my life's journey has been abundantly and richly blessed.  I'll take this new year on with dignified expectation, confident that my Father who has brought me through the past will guide me in whatever years the future holds for me.  I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that is is He who will carry and deliver me.

And He will do the same for you.

Amen!

I will close by sharing some special birthday moments with you.  Enjoy!

Danny and I enjoy lunch at Appalachian Grill.  I order shrimp and he chooses haddock.

I wonder what's in the bag?

Of course!  The two books I asked Danny for.  Thanks, honey!

And then, there are this gorgeous bouquet of flowers sent by my daughter, son-in-law and the grands.

And for my birthday dinner Sunday night?  Here's the photo for the plate made just for me.  Do any of you want to venture a guess as to what the "mystery" meat is?  Danny isn't a fan, but he loves me enough to cook them up on my special day.  Leave your guesses in the comments below.

Thanks so very much, dear friends, for visiting here with me today and celebrating together!