The beauty of another birthday – a reminder of where we’ve been, what we’ve learned and how much more there is. No matter what age. This past week, I’ve been grateful to spend time with beautiful friends, my kind and precious offspring and theirs, and so it becomes and remains a continual reminder of the blessing of gathering life each year.
Birthdays are simply a gauge to measure how the soul grows with each one. Standing on the edge of a field is my favorite place to hear the wind whisper my story through the wheat – I review the one that He has made come together when others thought it was falling apart. That one.
And so I think about what I would ask my past-self of what I’ve learned from living life long. This. We aren’t in control of it. Because if we could – we would. It’s already written.
While staring far-off into a field, I’m mindful of the well-worn prayer I’ve lifted up for over half my life now. I’ve seen God answer in His way. That’s the big learn. The only one way I understand I’m not sovereign. And neither are you. I speak to many who just wish their story was different instead of reading in-between the lines of what it tells.
Charles Spurgeon said this about birthdays; It’s not about celebrating us but the God who assigned the day to us, to give life and to use it. He’s wise.
Since I’m a bit diverse, I not only admire Spurgeon but also Stevie Nicks. There’s a line from a 70s song – Landslide still sings true for me. . .
Can I handle the seasons of my life(?) Uh-uh I don’t know. But time makes you bolder and children get older. And I’m getting older too.
Ponder life, friends. Not over the hill or failed life, but purposeful life. Over the hill just means we’ve been in the valleys where we learn real life. And here’s what we can glean from there . . .
Remember. Review life and see the tested and tried that has turned to abundant grace.
Retreat. You may need an old dirt road, a field, or a quiet pasture – – – or a valley.
Rejoice. And then, be grateful that you have come through from point A to B through almost Z.
It can be tough terrain on the way to our Father’s house, but we have a faithful Jesus to lead the way to offer a soul-deep courage to take one steadfast step at a time. We don’t have to celebrate a birthday to take an aerial view of our life – just a grace-filled moment to see that . . .
. . . through the seasons of years, everything moves but Him. He remains.
I give you thanks O Lord with my whole heart. I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 138
Verna
Ruth Lang says
Happy and blessed birthday to you Verna from a new subscriber ( Marlene Bagnull recommended you ).
This is Providence as my 60th is right around the corner. It is good to realize He’s in control, that we walk the roads, hills and valleys with the One Who loves and cares the most.
Thanks for the timely words and encouragement.
Warmly,
Ruth Lang
Verna Bowman says
Thank you Ruth! I’m grateful that Marlene had you connect with me, I appreciate your encouraging words. And may you be blessed with the assurance of His faithful presence along your path ~ have a beautiful birthday!
Glenda Mills says
So glad you had such a wonderful week of celebrating the life God gave you….And grateful our faithful Father never leaves, through all the changing seasons of our lives.
Verna Bowman says
Yes, our eternal stay is what gives peace in every season of life with assurance that He is right there. I hope you and Dave had a beautiful anniversary weekend, also!