Celebrating Another Year

I am grateful today to celebrate another completed journey around the sun. I am blessed with good health, a loving family, special friends, and a sense of purpose for my life.

I enjoyed travelling in Canada, time with family from near and far, and meaningful connections with friends and my community. I continue to learn and grow as I try to prevent getting stagnant in a world that is constantly changing. I am learning to accept my weaknesses and the differences of the people around me with grace. My outer self is a little stiffer, greyer, and more lined, but I can keep my inner self green and growing. We are a work in progress, no matter our age!

Today is the 25th day of Epiphany, a constant in the church year on January 30th. Today's reading includes Psalm 27. It is easy to succumb to fear- fear of the future, of illness, and of inevitable loss. But, 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?...

I remain confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.

Here is a final observation. I was going through old birthday cards that I keep in a filing cabinet. One of my daughters drew this for me 30 years ago. I haven't aged at all! Her honest attention to detail with the chair, table, lamp, Kleenex box, garbage can, and her weary mother in curlers and a nightgown is on point. I will always treasure it. (It says Happy Birthday inside)