Chapter 52 - Take Out

It’s been a wonderful week of celebration for me - quite unusual and unexpected - but SO good. In fact, I don’t think I’m ready for it to end quite yet to be honest.

I received birthday wishes all throughout the day yesterday, and a few today too. Some messages were short and sweet while others went the extra mile to express to me how my life has touched theirs and a sprinkling of what I mean to them. Each expression was special and allowed me to realize how God has allowed my life to touch others. To know that He has a unique purpose and plan for my life in spite of any weaknesses and flaws is ever so humbling to me.

During the day, I gave myself a Pamper-Me day. It was quite an out-of-the-ordinary occurrence, but long overdue to say the least. The only thing that would’ve made it any better was a massage — but it’s kind of difficult to give yourself one of those. (You can laugh!)

Last night, my husband and I left the motel for a chilly, fifteen minute walk to a quaint restaurant where he had made reservations for my birthday dinner. We were seated at a corner table for two, complete with a crystal, candle centerpiece, cloth napkins and my favorite kind of music playing softly in the background…

and a menu of which I could barely decipher. Yeah, I’m not a “fancy” girl by no stretch of the imagination, but my hubby made sure I felt like a queen on my special day. He’s so good to me, my knight in shining armor.

After I finally deciding on an entrée of lamb based shepherd’s pie, we enjoyed our appetizers and the ambiance of our surroundings. After finishing off as much as we could of our delicious meal, which was topped off with a complementary birthday dessert, our leftovers were placed in “take away” containers and we were on our way.

This morning, while I began packing our things up to go home, I’ve been reflecting upon everything, I realize how blessed I am indeed. I also realized the importance of take always - both literally and those not-so-edible too.

While I enjoyed popping some of our leftovers in the microwave this morning for a quick brunch, there were other take aways I couldn’t eat.

Exactly what I’m writing to you about this morning is a sampling of my take away from my week. The sweet comments I received yesterday were take aways from shared experiences where my life has touched other’s lives. What a blessing!

You see, we all indulge ourselves in take aways - even if we don’t care for leftovers. We all take away life lessons which help grow us, precious memories to savor, experiences to share, testimonies to encourage, and even those take aways which may include shame or heartbreak leave behind victory songs we sing every day of our lives.

My friend, I have gathered up quite a few take aways from this special week. As I begin Chapter 52, I am reminded of God’s love, His purpose for my life in yours and the importance of yours in mine. He intertwines us all together to fulfill His promise and plan. We love because He first loved us, we give because He exemplified that to us, and we live our lives as unto Him because that’s where He receives glory and we experience the greatest blessings.

Don’t forget your take aways from each day and experience in your own life. To God be the glory for all!

Blessings ~