She’s Still Here So She’s Not Done
It’s my birth-day! I’m one year older! One thing’s for sure, I don’t plan on grumbling or complaining about it. I’m grateful that I woke up this morning! That’s a great start to my day! I’m grateful I could dress myself, feed myself, walk by myself, hear, speak, and see! Those are the bonuses of being one year older and still holding my own!
This day brings tons of reasons to be grateful. First of all that my mom chose life when she found herself pregnant after she thought she was done after her last child, twelve years before. And, I think I’ve done a pretty good job with MY children. I like the line from Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses” that says “For all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right.” My kids and grandkids really are amazing people.
A year older makes me appreciate each new day more by taking in the simplest things like the cool breeze in the morning and the fresh rains that we’ve been having — to the extraordinary miracle things – like being strong and healthy and pain-free.
This day makes me want to capture even more memories because they are dearer than ever before. Celebrating each new day with family members – online or if the time permits, one-on-one visits; enjoying the people in my community.
For most of us, we don’t have luxury homes or vacations. It’s not all the luxury items, but, “home” where there are memories, laughter, celebrations of life. That’s what we think when we’ve made it to another birthday.
At this “mature” age, I consistently think about what I can do that leaves a mark that I’ve been here. Indelibly imprinted on many people’s lives are the people who took the time to encourage and inspire them. Encouraging and inspiring others becomes a mode of operation for those who desire to “leave footprints in the sand” that others can follow.
At this “you are as young as you feel” age – I am very aware of my mortality — especially because I have a husband, parents, and friends who have already passed from this life. It’s a good thing to think about the days we have left here on this side of heaven. It makes us very aware of living each day with gusto, gratitude, AND grit. Grit meaning to full-on determination and perseverance to finish strong.
In this “autumn” season of life (naturally and seasonally), we suddenly become a fountain of wisdom. I embrace it when someone asks for advice. It’s the perfect time to remember who our mentors were and why, and then emulate them. I pray that my readers can glean from this wise sage’s words of wisdom daily.
At this age, we can admit the mistakes we made along the way, and reckon with how best to rectify them. It’s by asking for forgiveness from God and others we may have failed. Someone who is truly in touch with their frailties as well as their triumphs is one who acknowledges that they faltered, yet came back better than ever.
With that statement, I ask for forgiveness for the times I may have faltered as a mom, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend. I truly desire to be a true witness of a leader worth following.
At this age, I can stop sweating the small stuff like “what will they think if I wear that outfit?” Or whether I bought that item at Target, the thrift store or Nordstrom’s. Not worrying about the small stuff gives our minds time to ponder more important questions of life like “How can I be a better person?”
Another year older, is just another year, but for those who live with destiny and “eternity” in mind, it means waking each day with realizing God’s mercies are new every morning. Why not take in those mercies and pass them on to others who need mentors and role models to show them the way of thanksgiving and gratitude.
Our lives aren’t about the numbers. It’s about the gift of life that God gave us. AND, how long we live this life is up to God and making every minute of that life count!