Another trip around the sun
Another year, another birthday. Yesterday was a good day. Although my back is still limiting movement, I woke up to breakfast in bed, snuggles with the girls, slow walking and window shopping for furniture for our new home, and a surprise gathering of dear friends for dinner. Not a bad day at all. I have these little things I do every year on my birthday. I refuse to look at any text messages or answer any calls until Rob and the girls say happy birthday, I want to share it with them first. I spend the day thinking of how blessed I am to live and breathe another day, reflecting on the year, and spending time with my family. There have been years when I have been far from home either serving in combat or on military duty, but we always find a way to celebrate in any way we can-even if not on the exact day. It’s just what we do for each other and I am thankful for it. When God called to Jeremiah, telling him that “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV). God would say the same for all of us, He knew us all before we were born, He formed us in the womb. What a wonderful gift to have the breathe of life given to us by our Father. So, every birthday, it’s not only a celebration of a year, but thankfulness for all the God has placed before me. Thankfulness for Him creating me just the way I am and continuing to be present in my life.
Today, as I celebrated a birthday with another person, we shared stories of our families and the choices they made to bring us to where we are today. It seemed fitting to share my family’s story today. I think my grandparents would be smiling down to know that their sacrifices led to our family being where we are today. My mother shared that although my grandparents did not got to church every Sunday, my grandfather would always have the kids read from the Bible and it would be their time to be together in His word. She also shared that he would also go and sit under a tree near their home every week, where he would meditate and feel closer to God. Maybe that’s where I get my close connection to God in nature. My grandfather packed up his kids and ventured to New York as part of Operation Bootstrap that sought labor from the islands to fill the shortage of labor after World War II. Ten kids that had lived at the edge of a sugar cane field where my grandfather worked and where my grandmother was a local seamstress. these ten kids became business owners, doctors, accountants, and educators. Their children became doctor, engineers, lawyer, and a Major General in the military. All from one leap of faith, a belief and trust that God had something different planned than what was familiar or comfortable to my grandfather. For that, I am forever thankful.
My friend had a similar story of her parents and what brought them to New York where they became successful business owners. I am constantly in awe of all that happens and how it is not coincidence but with intent. I know it is easy to focus on the bravery of my grandfather and the decision to move his entire family away from all that they knew. But I shared first and foremost that he was a man of faith. He trusted and in that trust understood that even if he may not be able to imagine or see where this path would lead, he trusted God to direct him. When he did, the results were far greater than anything he could have imagined. How far we have come from a one bedroom home at the edge of a sugar cane field.
Today, I pray that you remember that God knew you before you were born. He created you to be who you are right now-what a blessing you are-never forget.
I pray that these words speak to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog, subscribe to my web page.
