I didn't know how to celebrate this year. I thought...maybe I'll have a dinner out. Or maybe I'll take a trip into the mountains to play in the snow. Or maybe I'll go shopping with the best of the best. And before I knew it, the day was upon me.
I have friends everywhere. Some days I don't see that. There are lonely days. Isolated days. Fearful days. But I am protected and loved wherever I go. Beneath all of the anxiety, under the rough water in the deep calm, the Lord's built a web of connections to so many people.
I saw that yesterday. A whole gaggle of people emailing me to send their birthday wishes. There was a beautifully over the top buffet in my honor in the break room. Maroon bunting. Little orange roses. All the things you need to make a parfait (yogurt and berries, of course, for those of us who are being good). They handed me a teal tiara.
It didn't stop there. Smiles and hugs all day. I could sense the Lord whispering "I love you, Val. These people love you. You're important."
When I got home, I still hadn't decided what to do with my evening. I knew John would be coming through the door any minute asking for a plan. How do people my age celebrate their birthday? What if I don't want to go out to a nice dinner? What if I want to stay in? A book signing had caught my eye earlier that day. Is that even an option?
I stopped for a moment to remember what the Lord was saying. "I love you, Val...You're important." And in that freedom, I chose to stop worrying and listen to myself. This is really just the beginning of a year of finding my voice...of learning to dream. I choose to step forward. One step down.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
2 comments:
Happy Birthday! I am glad that you had a day filled with treats and hugs from your network of friends. We are made for community--designed by God. May you experience much love and adventure in the year ahead. I'm you neighbor at the faith jam.
Happy birthday, beloved of the Father. Yes He wants you to find and use the voice He gave you, and you are doing that here!
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