As I've gotten older, birthdays are just as big of a deal, but for different reasons. When I was younger, the emphasis was the presents. Now the focus has shifted from presents, which are still exciting, to relationships and service.
I have friends both near and far and my birthday is an excuse to connect with ones I don't get to keep up with often. Even something as simple as a Facebook greeting can be a conversation starter and a reminder to touch base with loved ones I don't see regularly.
I express my love for others through acts of service, and my birthday is a time when I stop and let others take care of me. I pause to remember that I am loved and that people are thankful for my service and presence in their lives. It's also the time when I can get the kids motivated to help with chores all weekend long. I have asked Paul to clean his bedroom as his gift to me. Claire fed the dogs and everyone helped with laundry without complaint.
The past year has been one of great personal growth for me. At this time last year I had accepted that I would eventually enroll in seminary, but it was still far off in the distance and I wasn't brave enough to voice that dream to most people around me. Now I spend my free time studying and I am relishing every second in the classroom learning more about faith and church history. In the fall I'll stretch myself even more as I take two classes instead of just one. I also know now what each class will require of me so I can prepare for the demands.
Today I am a better writer than I was last year. I know more about myself now than I did then. I've always been comfortable in my own skin, but self-discovery has led to even more self-acceptance.
My baby is in kindergarten, my daughter is blowing everyone away with her intelligence and perceptions, my husband has found he loves reading almost as much as me.
So while I'm not physically growing anymore, this past year has been one of great personal growth. I can't wait to see what my 36th year will hold.
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