Every year on our birthdays, we get teased for “getting old,” right?
And though we laugh at the teasing, sometimes, we actually do hate the fact that we’re hitting certain age marks.
In two years, I’ll be 30. I know, some of you are older and thinking, “Ha, young’un, you just wait!” Others are younger than me, snickering, thinking I’m old.
But seriously. Those decade markers seem to be milestones of some sort. Sometimes I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by. Sometimes I worry that I haven’t achieved enough for how old I am. That I’ll die before accomplishing anything truly great.
And I’m gonna be honest…that scares me.
But today, on my 28th birthday, I want to think of it differently.
Why?
Because life is too short to spend it worrying.
And because several years ago, I was given a great example in embracing another year of life.
I had a great role model in my mom. Many of you know she passed away over 8 years ago. She was only 46 years old.
She’d battled cancer when I was young, and prayed and prayed that God would heal her so my brother and I would know her, that she would get to raise us, to teach us the truth about life.
And He granted that wish. She was in remission for several years and then considered “cured” until her cancer returned at the age of 42.
So when my mom turned 40, do you think she moped around, depressed? No way. She celebrated, because she didn’t think she’d ever see 40 years.
What a perspective change, huh?
I love that my mom had that attitude and engrained it in me: life is precious. Every day we live it. Doesn’t matter if we are 20 or 60. Doesn’t matter if we’ve achieved everything we wanted to or not.
Today is what counts.
So today, when I could be depressed that another year has passed without such and such a thing happening to me–I want to bless the Lord for another year of wonderful, beautiful life.
Another year to serve Him.
To love others.
To work toward a dream.
Another year.
Thank you, Lord.
Your Turn: How do you celebrate your birthdays? I think Mike and I are going out to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria tonight. Yum yum. And there had better be some ice cream involved afterward!
*If you missed my post on The Writers Alley last Friday, it’s not too late to stop in and read all about the tips I learned at My Book Therapy‘s Storycrafters Retreat last month.
Happy birthday, Lindsay! I hope you have fun celebrating your twenty-eight great years. I wish you a year filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.
Happy Birthday!!!!
My birthday is May7th, which is usually within a few days of Mother's Day.
Last year, John got us some steaks (the 2 inch thick ones from Costco), prawns, Caeser salad, pasta salad, a fancy cake, and whatever else he bought…it was insane!
Why? Because he used to try to pawn off the planning on me. But this year, I told him "You are 51. 2 of our kids are taller than you. Man up. Take them shopping and IMPRESS ME!!!!"
He did. And he did.
Happy birthday, Linds! Oh, I just love you and hope you have a wonderful day of celebrating. 🙂 I love your story about your mom too. She sounds like such an amazing woman…and she definitely created an awesome legacy.
I happen to know 28 is going to be an awesome year for you…probably February, June and September especially. Hehehe… 🙂
My favorite way to celebrate birthdays is with family…pizza and ice cream (like you, it sounds)…and laughs.
Happy Birthday, Lindsay! I love your age. I love my age. I'm excited to grow older. Another year Amen!
~ Wendy
Happy Birthday Lindsay! What a beautiful post. Perspective makes all the difference 🙂 You are a wonderful example. I didn't know you lost your Mom, there is nothing harder. I'm so glad you got to keep her a little longer 🙂 She would be really proud of you and I know God is proud that you are faithful and full of hope, inspiring the rest of us.
Bless you, Lindsay on your birthday and for this beautiful reminder of gratitude. Your mom sounds like such a wonderful woman. I think this calls for a 1984-er squeezy hug! Welcome to the 28's. 😀
Love your perspective and your story, what an encouragement! I'm all about celebrating with pizza and cake…of course ice cream never hurt anybody. in fact, now I'm having a totally untimely craving. 🙂 happy birthday, eat something yummy for me!
Happy birthday, Lindsay! I enjoyed your post at The Writer's Alley and I adore this post, too. I completely agree that life is too short to spend any of it moping and not celebrating. Have fun eating pizza tonight!
Happy birthday! What a beautiful legacy your mom left you. When I turn 30 next year (gulp), remind me of this post, okay?
I think I'll be all right but if you see any whining at all, you have my permission to cyberslap me.
Hope you and your hubs have an amazing day together! 🙂
Happy birthday!!! What a beautiful memory of your mom. I love that she celebrated regardless of her circumstances. Enjoy your celebration!!
Happy Birthday, Lindsay! Have a grand celebration!
What a beautiful tribute and memory of your mom. Know that she is so proud of you!
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!! You are all too, too sweet to me. What amazing gifts you all are to me — year-round, not just on my birthday. I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. So blessed.
Sorry I'm late to the party! I hope you had as much pizza and ice cream as you could manage!! 🙂 Every year on my birthday I tell Dave the same thing (and it never gets old!). I say: "I'm so excited for this birthday! I've waited my whole life to be (fill in the age)!" 🙂 This year I said: "I've waited my whole life to be 32!" I still can't believe I'm in my thirties, but I'm so blessed and so thankful to have all the things God has given me. Hope this is the best year of your life! I agree with Melissa – February, June and September should be especially great! 🙂
Happy Birthday on your blog! I'm a day late, but I texted you yesterday so it counts! 🙂 Love you!
Hope you had a great birthday, Lindsay! As someone who is a few years ahead of you (ahem), I needed this perspective today. Thank you. 🙂