The Birthday Journey (03/25/2024)

Yesterday was my oldest daughter’s birthday. As I began the day, she was on my mind and in my prayers. I couldn’t thank the LORD enough for such a gift to me, to my family, to all of us. I thought of her birth and how frightened I was by the 36 hours of labor. I thought of my husband, far away, at Fort Riley and what he must have been feeling. I remember the joy I felt when I heard her first cry and how her very voice brings joy to me to this day.

My husband and I decided to surprise her with a visit, a small bunch of flowers, and cake and ice cream for her family. We stopped at the store, purchased the goodies and headed over to her house. We did surprise her and her whole family. Thankfully, they were up for a surprise, everyone except Gerti the cat who was still a bit out of sorts when we left. We sat around the kitchen table, had our cake and ice cream and chatted. And I thanked the LORD all over again for this blessing in our lives we call Kendra.

As I ended my day, the LORD and I talked one more time about what a wonderful day it was not because of the weather or a purchase but because of another being. I acknowledged to the LORD that she was all blessing, all gift. And I thanked the LORD for her. I thanked the LORD for my parents, my mother and father. I thanked the LORD for my husband who clearly bit off more than he realized 55 years ago. And I sat with the LORD quietly, full of gratitude and awe. All of my life is gift, I realized. How does one give adequate thanks for that?

I can’t imagine my journey without my daughter. As I sat and pondered and prayed, I realized how often I had failed to give thanks for her or for others. I recommitted to being more grateful; I promised the LORD to take pause daily and to give thanks for those whose lives and gifts touch mine and enrich mine. And I realized the gift I’d received on my daughter’s birthday.

As we journey in and through life on this earth, let us pause to give thanks for those who are beside us, those who bless and enrich our days and accompany us because they are all gifts. Our loving LORD created them; our loving LORD died to save each one; our loving LORD gifts each with graces and talents that enrich not only their lives but ours. Gratitude makes our journey brighter. Let us begin with gratitude for our all-present LORD and for those sent to us to companion us on our journeys. 

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.