Happy “Birth”day to me! At 46 today, this day has taken on a whole new meaning. In
the past it was a day of birthday cake, balloons, and festivities. A time of gathering with
lots of people to celebrate and open lots of gifts. It was a “fun” day. When my girls were
growing up, we always made birthdays special. Special themed events, or unique places
with an invitation list as long as your arm. Those days were fun and grand, but somehow,
this year is very different. Perhaps I am feeling a little of what my youngest daughter felt
back in November for what was suppose to be one of her grand birthdays – her 21st.
I began reflection several days leading up to February 3rd, wondering, thinking,
pondering on my life of 46 years. I know, a woman doesn’t normally tell her age, I know
my mom didn’t at all – even up to the day she was buried. In her will she said – DO NOT
print my birth date in the obituary. A statement that makes us all laugh even today. But
seriously, thinking what are my priorities in life, where am I going, what target am I
trying to hit, and where is my journey leading me? After all, if you don’t know where you
are supposed to be going in life, you’ll end up somewhere else!
But I didn’t have to dwell much on the subject as things, events, and people lined up and
answered that for me. Last weekend there was a note on the calendar that I was to be
ready to go out for a special birthday dinner on Friday night and to be ready to go by
6:30. Several times, I mentioned, we can just do this later – you have things that have
come up, I need to focus on the church ministry booth, blah, blah blah. Christie would
just smile and say,” No mom- it has to be tonight. It’s for your birthday and it’s a special
night.” It’s funny, because the week or so before at church we had just talked
about “Letting things go” and not worrying about things that we can’t control, and not
letting things that really don’t matter step in front of the things that do. I smiled to myself
and said, Stop – let go and just enjoy the moment that was to be had. I’m glad I did. After
getting off work, I rushed home, showered, changed clothes, and out the door we went.
Christie was working as she does most Friday evenings, and we picked her up and
headed downtown. As we were approaching 2nd ave – I said – Spaghetti Factory! We
haven’t eaten there in a long time. There was laughter in the car, and then Ed pulled up in
front of the Melting Pot. A very favorite restaurant of mind that we infrequent due to the
costly meals. Christie yelled, “Surprise! This nights for you”. Ed parked as Christie held
my hand and walked me to the entrance. We sat down waiting for our table, and she
leaned over saying, “Love ya mom – Happy Birthday – and there’s more surprises
ahead!” I couldn’t image what else could be lined up. This in itself was a wonderful
moment. Having dinner at a special restaurant with my husband and daughter who
orchestrated it all. We sat a little while longer and then when I turned my head – my
other daughter Jillian walked in the door. They all yelled “SURPRISE” Indeed it was –
as she had traveled 5 hours to come home to be with me to celebrate “My” day. I was set!
I was in a perfect restaurant with my husband and two wonderful daughters! The best
birthday ever! The night continued with laughter, sharing of stories, great food, and a
fantastic waiter who even sang Happy Birthday to me as a challenge. It was an incredible
night. It was late and we headed home, still laughing, and enjoying each others company.
It was a special blessing for me to know that my girls still wanted to be with me on this
special day. I know of several moms who kids could care less and want to run instead of
spending quality time with their mom. For this I am truly blessed!
We had a big event at church Saturday morning, promoting our Mission of Hope mission
trip back to the Philippines. We were expecting around 800 people or so and I was
already nervous about having enough people man the 8 foot booth that we had prepared,
but Christie laughed saying that she knew Jillian would be home to help so she was never
worried. She said, “Mom – I told you not to worry – just let it go!!!!!” I smiled and said,
Yes, I guess I need to do just that. Let God worry about the little things instead of me.
The ministry booth was a huge success with blessings abundant. Another wonderful gift.
And that evening, we ate a light dinner and all went to see Shrek the Musical at TPAC.
It was funny, entertaining, and perhaps one of the best musicals we had ever seen. Such
wonderful family time with my girls and my husband. A priority YES! A reminder of
what is important.
Jillian headed back home early Sunday morning as she had to go back to work, but the
weekend was wonderful. A birthday blessing! I still pondered and thought about the
next few days leading up to the 3rd. Ed called and told me that he was going to be off
Thursday for my birthday and that we should just hang out and go out to eat somewhere.
Another priority – spending quality time with my husband. It had been awhile since we
had a “date-night” You parents know what I mean. So I was looking forward to that.
My brother called and said, whatcha wanna do for your birthday? Let’s go out. So we
planned for a get together on Friday evening. Again – another priority – spending time
with family.
Things just fell in to place and the birthday blessings just kept coming. My facebook page
was filled with many birthday wishes from cousins, nephews & nieces, family members,
from friends – from my BEST FRIEND Kelly (friends since Kindergarten), from my
extended children (kids who grew up with my girls and become like my own children)
and several of my adopted kids in the Philippines. I received several text messages
and emails wishing me a grand day, and even had a phone call with a Happy birthday
serenation on the other end. Birthday Cards both given and in the mail with birthday
greetings, and handwritten messages so thoughtfully written. What wonderful birthday
wishes!
At work, my boss took me out to lunch and then the wonderful office celebrated my
birthday with a birthday cake and birthday greetings and cards. Who could have asked for
a better day at work! Just to think that they remembered me was a blessing enough! There
are so many places of employment where they just don’t care. I can’t say that about
where I work. I work with wonderful caring co-workers!
That evening, after work, I changed clothes and Ed took me to the Opryland Hotel. We
hadn’t been there since it was renovated due to the flood damage. It was magnificent!
I would definitely recommend it as a date night for anyone! We watched the cascades
of water dance to music, and roamed the conservatory enjoying the breathtaking views
and ambience of the night. We ended up eating at a little Mexican place called Solario
– it was incredible! Home-made guacamole made right at the table. I have never tasted
anything so good and the rest of the meal was fantastic. It was a wonderful evening with
just me and my husband Ed. We talked, and reminisced, and laughed, and ate. It was a
great night.
All of this to say that it occurred to me that I don’t need to think about my priorities or
where I am going, or what target I am on. God has chosen that path for me already and
is putting my family – my girls, my husband, my brother, my extended family, my boss,
my co-workers, and my friends around me to let me know that he has that target chosen
and all I need to do is follow him. After all – this day is my “Birth” day – a day that HE
created!
