And God Said…..

August 26, 2021 Off By Donna Wuerch

“Tada! Here’s Donna!” It’s the day when I made my big debut on planet earth. And since I’m still here, I must not be done! The fanfare started last night when the Wuerch clan showed up with the party. When asked where I wanted to go for my birthday, I told them “my place”! And THEY didn’t disappoint. They came bearing yummy BBQ and all the trimmings, the cake, the balloons, precious gifts and cards with words I’ll treasure. And they gave me my “ask” – to have prayer specifically for my sweet little home to be filled with God’s presence so that when people come in, they sense Him!

I realize that I am in Act III of my play, and I seriously think about how I can make the most impact in every day I have left. If you follow me at all on my blogs and messages, you’ll know that I live to encourage and share God’s good news. I’ve read in God’s Word how He will make me flourish in old age. (Psalm 92:14) I’m counting on that – not that I consider this ripe number as old age! I may be in denial because I think I’m still in “prime” time!

I’ve determined NOT to be burdened with anger, worry and being cynical. Who wants to hang around that old gal? I want to have a spring in my step with vitality and life. I don’t want to give up, throw in the towel, or complain about all that and this. I don’t want to be grumpy and cranky and the one that no one wants at their party. I want my family to go “Wow – she LIVED!” Just like Jesus said on his last breath “It is finished!”, that’s when I’ll be done – not one second before then. I’ll be finished when I am finished. Could you and I sit down and have a pity party about all the ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns of our lives? You better believe it. But every day the past gets dimmer because I’m refusing to go there. I’m forgetting those things behind.

Here are my goals for this grand new year:

1) I’ll celebrate life every day. I realize that I’m closer to heaven than I ever was before – so this side of heaven is going to be a party every day that I wake up on this side. I’m going to look in the mirror and, though I see my mother looking back at me, I’m going to cherish these laugh lines and my “Lord, have mercy” lines and be thankful!

2) I’m going to laugh at the future because I know Who holds it. Proverbs 31:25 says: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Seriously, NO fear!

3) I’m going to live each day with gratitude for my heritage, a mom and dad who introduced me to Jesus; gratitude for my precious grandmother who introduced me to the love of my life; gratitude that our love made me a mother and grandmother of the most precious children; gratitude for my extended family and so many precious friends who have been the greatest cheerleaders in the world. Most of all, I will daily acknowledge my Lord with all my heart.

4) And, because I am less distracted these days with raising children, making ends meet, and so many responsibilities, I can pray more, serve God, and sincerely praise and love Him more.