Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. I have to confess that I was dreading the day, knowing the deluge of emotion that comes as we face these firsts.  However, it ended up better than expected. Yes, I still shed quite a few tears, but I also laughed, smiled, and was showed love by so many. I have realized that so much of birthdays is about not just turning another year older, but about having one day that you feel extra cherished, loved and special. I always cherished how Josh would spend hours smoking ribs because he knew I'd love them.  Half the reason I loved it was being able to bury my head into his chest smelling a mix of him and delicious smoked meat. YUM! But mainly it was the love I knew he poured into every meal he made for me and everyone else. It was knowing how with each gift he really tried to pick one that would delight me. Yes, it is definitely the love that makes a birthday special. And even though he wasn't there to do that, I had so many others that were there to fill in the gap. I was showered with so many thoughtful gifts, actions, words, and cards. Between Bible study with God, lunch with friends, shopping fun with my sister, and dinner with family, I had a wonderful day being showered with love. I even was able to start the day with my lovely children who woke me up before I was even out of bed to bring me all the treasures they had found and made. And so my birthday was a good day. I praise God for the bountiful blessings he has given me in all of you.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. - Psalm 106:1