If you know me well, you know I love birthdays. Most people do not relish getting older… me… well, I’m a bit odd! Thirteen days after turning 20, I had 3 different people think I was 40-45 years old. I cared then. I was depressed. I spent a week or two really bothered by people thinking I was TWICE my age. As I grew closer to 40, I anxiously anticipated finally being the age I looked.
Yesterday I turned 46. It started off at 5:00 a.m. (45 mins earlier than my typical routine). I wanted to take my two at home out for a Biscuits Cafe breakfast. We arrived, only to find the restaurant closed. Google said it opened at 6:30, so we went to Dutch Bros for coffee and returned. When we tried to the door, we noticed a new sign saying they didn’t open until 7:00 a.m.! Google lied. Plan B? Starbucks sandwiches with our Dutch Bros coffee, followed by Sesame Donuts! Many laughs were had as I drove the boys to school.
My day at school was inundated. “Happy birthday, Mr. Johnson!” Cards. Many dark chocolate with raspberry candy bars. Hugs galore! It was an extremely life giving and career affirming day.
When I arrived home, I was greeted…oddly. There was a coffee mug with a Starbucks coffee (Amy’s signature white choc., pumpkin, cinnamon dulche latte) sitting by my front door and 2 Amazon packages on the table; but that’s not what was odd. Both boys met me with grins (one having tried to convince me over the phone he was ill, the other who cannot keep a surprise having gone with hous brother’s plan). They led me to the kitchen table and turned out the lights. My youngest dashed out of the room and reappeared with a candle-lit, purple cake (inside and out). My favorite color. They don’t do surprises well, especially the middle one. When I stumbled on the information that the secret coffee gift givers were my oldest and a dear family friend, I was in awe. My oldest, in college a state away, found a way to be present on my birthday. I was truly overwhelmed.
As I reflected, I thought about my birthday party on Saturday. Amy’s sister and her husband pulled out the stops putting it together. I was really blessed. And Sunday at church, a dear friend gave me a large package of homemade peppermint patties.
My heart was full.
Sitting in reflection last night is when I heard His still small voice, for the fourth time in as many days: “You’re not alone. There are many people who see you, appreciate you, and love you.” Then He challenged me to a year of starting every day with gratitude.
Today, I’m grateful for “birthdays” like yesterday!
I’ll unpack the rest as the next 364 days unfurl.
Good Grief?!? 