Chapter 52 - Breakfast Edition

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Galatians 5:13

Before I went to bed last night, my husband jokingly recommended that I enjoy my “ last night” for this morning I’d be older. I laughed and shortly thereafter turned over and went to sleep.

My eyes opened up earlier than usual this morning. My sweetheart wished me a happy birthday before going to his work sessions and I smiled. I laid there for about an hour and returning thanks to a few early morning birthday wishes, then decided to get up and come to breakfast.

We’re still in Nashville, which has turned out to be a pretty good trip. So, I made my way down to the fourth floor to enjoy the breakfast buffet.

Don’t laugh too much but as I was going through the line trying to juggle my oatmeal bowl and breakfast plate, it began. First, I dropped a potato wedge on the floor. I discreetly passed it to one of the ladies behind the counter to be disposed of. A few seconds later, I lost my grip on a sausage patty which seemed as big as the moon as it crashed onto the floor. Oh my goodness! I was suddenly quite embarrassed as the lady loading up her plate behind me made a comment about “my morning.”

By then, I was thinking maybe I should’ve turned over and went back to sleep instead of trying to celebrate and pamper myself.

Too late, I enjoyed my breakfast although I couldn’t quite clean my plate this morning. So, I left the table and came to a quiet corner of this dining hall. I poured myself some hot water and have a tea bag steeping as I write. As I sit here sharing with you, I hear the clatter of dishes and muffled voices behind me. It’s a rather soothing background noise and I’ve been quietly sitting here thanking God for bringing me through yet another year — and hoping this morning’s clumsiness isn’t an indication of the year to come. We shall see! At least I may have provided you with a dose of humor for this day ahead.

All in all, I’m so blessed. God has been ever so good to me! As I sit here and receive birthday messages, I’m reminded that no matter what we think or how we feel some days, our lives always touch other’s lives in some way. I want my life to gift kindness, encouragement, and God’s love to others. I want to be His hands and feet! I want to be willing to go beyond and give my all as unto the Lord. What else better is there to do to mark my space on this world or the people in it? I want to bring joy and create comfort and a place of peace and safety for others. I want to walk with integrity and humility; I want to be a safe place!

I’ve made up my mind in the early hours of my fifty-second year, to be the best me God will help me to be. I surely cannot do all I wish to do in my own ability. I need His strength, love and guidance to love others well and to be an asset to those God has allowed my life to touch. It’s a privilege and a priceless treasure to be entrusted with such an opportunity — even though I have days when I may feel the exact opposite. (Remember, I AM human, as we all are. And an introvert too!)

Can I encourage us all to be the best versions of ourself that we can be? For ourselves. For others. For God.

We never know what a difference we may make or what extravagant plans our Maker might have for us to help others navigate through this world.

Remember, we are supposed to imitate Him! You don’t need to wait for a birthday to do so either.

“Happy Birthday” never sounded so much like a call to do and be more. I’m so happy and blessed to celebrate the life God has given me and the ability He has created for me to touch lives for His glory.

My hubby has made us reservations tonight for my birthday dinner - I believe this will be a first too. Hopefully I’ll fare better than I did for breakfast. No matter what though…

Here’s to Chapter 52~