I'm not sure exactly why you've been awake for hours. Here you are before dawn has barely broken, dragging this ancient laptop downstairs and out on the porch where the early morning breezes are blowing energetically. Even the birds are not quite sure what in heaven's name you're doing as they fly past the windows to the feeders for an early breakfast.
For some reason, you've made turning 65 into a great big deal.
Sure it's a milestone, but I don't quite understand why you're so unsettled by it, why you seem determined to have some kind of weird self-absorbed pity party.
Stop it.
Just . Stop . It.
65 is not the end of the road. Unless God wants it to be. And last time I looked, He seemed to have work for you to do.
I know, I know, this has been a year you'd just as soon forget with all the deep losses and the physical drama and trauma that left you emotionally shot.
Yes, yes, you were so sick that you had to close down your counseling practice. Daily news updates remind you that you can hardly go anywhere anymore safely. Your mask is always at the ready.
Mom is declining right in front of your eyes and your heart breaks in a million pieces yet again every time you see her.
You missed your 17 year old beauty's birthday yesterday. Her state won't let your state's people in without a major upheaval.
Join the party. You are not alone.
For some reason, you stopped journaling mid-winter, right before the pandemic hit. Maybe you should dust that baby off and do a little soul searching, a bit of unpacking, and sort through what's making 65 so ridiculously traumatic for you.
Really.
Enough already with the pity party, dear girl.
All those deep truths about living for Jesus that you've learned at the feet of your ancestors and mentors, teachers, friends, and grandchildren need to re-claimed yet again. All the encouraging words of grace-filled challenge you've whispered to counseling clients and written for your precious blogging community need to be revisited.
Not by them, but by you.
So go do the next right thing. Continue taking the best care of yourself you can. Be gentle and kind to yourself ... without excessive coddling. Keep those stupid time-wasting screens off. Get out and about as much as you can, girl. Listen continuously to the Spirit's gentle voice of comfort, direction, correction, and love. Get serious about cultivating joy and anticipation. Laugh often.
Make gratitude your byword.
If you look carefully, you'll see that there might be a door or two opening for you. That God has someone for you to be, something for you to do. Stop waiting around for a gold-plated invitation to reach out. The gifts He's given you are still there. In fact they might be even richer than ever because of what you've lived through during these past 12 months.
Keep on leading that Women's Pandemic Support Group at church. Don't stop singing all 58 verses of those old hymns that come to your mind at the strangest times. Keep your eyes peeled for the needs around you and roll up your sleeves. Celebrate the daily, the ordinary, the necessary.
And don't neglect your soul in the process. Keep on faithfully cultivating and investing in your relationship with Christ. When all is said and done, He is all you have, He is all you need.
He calls you beloved. He loves you so.
Now go dust yourself off, pick up your mantle of compassion, and simply do the next right thing well.
And smile with a joyful hope as you continue to aim toward living this passage out - 'Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things ... And the God of peace will be with you' - Philippians 4:8-9.
And for heaven's sake, stop whining about hitting 65, will ya' ... and go read what you wrote a few years back - In Which 60 is the New 30.
Look up, look forward, girl ~
Linda
P.S. 3 hours after hitting the publish button, I re-titled this post. I was uncomfortable as I realized I had been a bit harsh with myself. Our beloved Savior is the 'Father of compassion and the God of all comfort' {2 Corinthians 1:3}. We should be showing ourselves the same loving kindness as He has shown us even as we re-examine our lives in the light of His Word and the prompting of His Spirit.
Farewell, 'A Rather Blunt Letter to My 65 Year Old Self.'
Thank You, Jesus, for your tender mercies toward Your children ...
<< On the Porch * Fall Decorating ~ Are You Kidding Me?
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Well Happy birthday! 65 is a beautiful milestone. Lord willing, I will turn 60 on New Year's Eve. It seems weird to type that.
ReplyDeleteNew Year's Eve! Wow ... that's a super day to celebrate, Regina!
DeleteSometimes, I find a short, but deep occasion pity party to be exactly what I need. The emotions may not make sense but still have to be processed so I can get on with living.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. Gail
Ah, you hear exactly where I'm coming from Gail. I like your guidelines - short, deep, occasional. Thanks for joining me in agreeing it's a very good thing to process our emotions so we can get on with the business of living well.
DeleteYou're an encourager!
Lament and joy dance beautifully together and even now, God is turning your mourning into dance. Keep your soul dancing, my friend, we need to dance with you.
ReplyDeleteYep, we've learned along the way that lament and joy dance beautifully together, Debby, haven't we!
DeleteEspecially when the company we keep stays right with us without judgement or making us feel 'less than.'
;-}
Linda, in your Annus Horribilis, you've been in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis year it was quite a year,
one I'd as lief forget,
but baby, have another beer
'cause it ain't over yet.
Antifa's going to roam the streets
and talking heads will shreik;
I think that our world needs to meet
a Saviour, calm and meek
to ease the rancour of these days
with His lovely smile,
to bring us all to blissful praise,
but we must recall, meanwhile,
that He was truly not above
bearing whip in name of love.
This year it was quite a year,
one I'd as lief forget,
but baby, have another beer
'cause it ain't over yet.
Antifa's going to roam the streets
and talking heads will shreik;
I think that our world needs to meet
a Saviour, calm and meek
to ease the rancour of these days
with His lovely smile,
to bring us all to blissful praise,
but we must recall, meanwhile,
that He was truly not above
bearing whip in name of love.
I'm with you, Andrew, agreeing that our world needs to meet the Savior!
DeleteYes, He was loving and kind and tender, yet spoke truth to power, was angered by sin and injustice yet sinned not, saw deep into people's hearts and discerned their agendas, their pain, their very souls.
Only by His grace can we respond to a world in desperate need in ways that will truly make a difference.
I hope you and Barb and the 4 footed creatures are having a good day ...
I turned 65 on March 1 of this year. And I don't mind telling you, Linda, I was dreading it! However, it turned out to be such a special and happy occasion as Danny and I had all three of our granddaughters over for a spend-the-night while their mom and dad cleaned the house they had recently vacated for their move to SC. It is one birthday I'll never forget, and will always cherish.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, we need to go a bit easier on ourselves, especially in these precarious days. Goodness knows, the Lord is gentle with us.
Blessings!
Thanks for paving the way, Martha. I've been trying to figure out what's involved in dreading this number. There's some fear in there of growing old. After doing life with my mom these past five years I have a deeper understanding of all that's involved with the aging process.
DeleteIt's scary. Sad. Isolating.
And I'm not sure I have her strength of character to respond in the incredibly strong and positive spirit that has served her well during years of suffering.
We have no choice but to leave it in His hands, where it belongs. It's an ongoing conversation between the Lord and I.
Your joyous 65th lights up my own day tomorrow. We're hoping that our oldest daughter and her two daughters will be able to come for a few days.
GOOD TIMES!
Happy birthday beautiful woman of God! Mercy, can't we all get on the pity party train at times? I've always felt that it was okay to have myself a little pity party every now and then...but...I could not stay long at the party! LOL! I hope your your special day has been sweet to you Linda knowing that God masterfully created you in the beautiful lady that you are.... Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThat you've greeted me with 'beautiful woman of God' brings tears to my eyes, Cindy. Only by His grace can I even begin to draw near to your generous words.
DeleteThank you for this especially meaningful birthday blessing. You've really touched my heart this afternoon.
Bless you.
I found myself feeling very vulnerable turning 65 - or what ever year I had to go to Medicare. That alone made me feel old, wondering what changes will occur in Medicare I will absolutely no control over with no good alternative. For me, it was the start to becoming OK with being a Sr. Citizen. I well remember a news article where it was reported a an elderly couple were hit by a car and killed in a car/pedestrian accident. The accident was sad enough, but what caught my attention also is the elderly couple were only in their 60's. I thought, Dear Lord, it's starting already. I am not ready for this. I kind of got over that and then it hit me more at my 70th birthday.. so it's been a process for me. I am 72 now and don't quite know what to think of that except the number of years left to me are miniscule compared to the ones behind me. All of a sudden, end-of-life issues are nearer than ever. We are planning on selling the house we lived in since 1981 and the rental house. where we will land I have no idea. We need to be out of our money being tied up in real-estate and for sure do not need to be landlords. I think I need to go now, I'm done thinking about it for now.
ReplyDeleteand yes, I am glad you retitled your letter ---
Carol, hi. I'm so grateful you've joined this conversation because you've hit my nail on the head repeatedly.
Delete'I'm not ready for this.'
Yes, yes. I simply CAN NOT believe that I'll be 65 tomorrow. I just can't. I don't even know what to do with it.
It brings me up short when you say 'the number of years left to me are miniscule compared to the ones behind me. All of a sudden, end-of-life issues are nearer than ever.'
Yes, yes, friend. So much of my life is over and I've spent much time in recent months reflecting how I've lived it, where I've wasted it, where I've used it well, evaluating relationships, decisions, ministry.
On the whole, I'm good with what I'm finding. I see where I missed the mark and I see where God's been pleased. It's been a healthy thing for me to look back but not in a maudlin or hand-wringing way. And this kind of evaluation helps me to better see what He might have for me in the years ahead.
And yes, those end of life issues are ever in front of us as we care for my mom. I've found it all very overwhelming and sad and difficult to navigate. All I can do is join her in saying, 'Thou art my God, my times are in Thy hands' - Psalm 31:15.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater. I'm so grateful!
Again, thank you so much for connecting today and helping me clarify some things. It's meant the world, friend ... I hope you are well.
Happy Birthday, dear friend. I enjoy the advise you gave to all of us!! Getting older doesn’t come with a manual, but I’m thankful for His daily guidance.
ReplyDeleteYou, my friend, have modeled an exquisite wisdom to all those blessed enough to know you. Your faith walk through trials and the richness of your devotional life has taught me much about perseverance, grace, strength.
DeleteI am so grateful for every hour we've had together, for the depth of our conversations as we've wrestled with God and listened well to each other's hearts.
I miss you more than I can say.
xo
Awww, friend. First of all, 65 looks GOOD on you. Just saying. Second, I think we've all gone to some deep, dark places this year. We've all had to come to terms with where we are in life. And we've all been challenged by the Lord to draw in closer to Him in the middle of the dark. I so appreciate your words, your honesty, and your wisdom!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that sweet 'looks good' hug, Jeanne! Some days are better than others!
DeleteAnd yes, this has been a year of deep, dark places. You've coined that well. Many of us have done our share of wrestling, questioning, wondering, and leaning hard into the Trinity's loving power ... and finding new mercies there each hour.
I often think that we are in the end times and all I can say is, come quickly, Lord Jesus. And thank God for writers like you who keep me focused on Him. Your work continues to inspire and breathe hope. I'm so grateful you're in my life!
Happy Birthday, Linda! I'm not far behind you. I turn 65 in January. Thank you for sharing this honest letter to yourself. I think our emotions are especially strung out these last months, but you have also had other trials added to it. And it must be so difficult to watch your mom declining. I'm so sorry. I love though that you retitled this and reminded us of "Him who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. And yes, I do believe your gifts are "richer than ever because of what you've lived through." Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteHello, friend. You're so right when you say that 'our emotions are especially strung out these last months' ... and a number of people I know have had excruciating trials on top of already difficult days. This is all so hard to understand and will make or break our faith if we're not diligent in staying under His wings.
DeleteHe is our protector and already knows the end of our story. I find great comfort in His loving kindness. Abba Father.
And yeah, I had to re-title this. It gnawed at me all morning for more than one reason. It always pays to listen and respond to that still small voice!
We will celebrate you in January! And til then, I will give thanks for your tender spirit, your lovely relationship with Jesus. What an inspiration you are to your readers ...
My sweet younger sister, come on in into the mid-60's....the water is fine! Just remember that this decade will go faster than you can ever guess (says the older woman from OH approaching 77). Enjoy the gift of each day and look for all the ways you would never expect that are not jobs or formal ministries, but still allow the Lord to use you as a change maker. Watch for the marvels of those birds trying to get your attention this morning and consider the unique design of each one and remember your unique design as well. God planned for this season as well and He may well surprise you with what He has in mind. (Just a reminder that I didn't start my website until I was 72 and I published my first book just 3 years ago. Had no idea a love since childhood would be his plan post retirement.) I love you, friend. So does He and He planned for this season of your life as well.
ReplyDeleteMy dear mentor! Your words filled my day with light and smiles and heaps of hope. Sharing your story invites me to imagine mine with greater anticipation and possibility. At 77, you radiate the joy and faith and energy of a woman DECADES younger. Combined with all the wisdom God has blessed you with, you are a positive force for those of us following in your footsteps.
DeleteThank you, thank you, for the gift your benediction has given me. And the card you sent.
Bless you, bless you, dear.
Happy 65th birthday, dear one! You look fabulous! I'm sorry to hear you've been ill. I sincerely hope you are feeling better and healing well. God wastes nothing. Every year, day, hour, every minute of your life matters and has purpose. Praying for you and this next season of your life!
ReplyDeleteJune, I love your gentle reminder that God wastes nothing. That truth allows us freedom to be where we are and to move ahead with purpose, that we can comfort others with the comfort we have received from Him.
DeleteThanks for that prayer support, friend ...
Welcome to my world Linda! Oh wait...I'm still older than you and Martha Jane. You are pups compared to my soon-to-be 68. I relished getting older when i was younger. You know...the old maturity thing that is supposed to happen as you get older. In my job as a pastor age was seen as good-more wisdom, more insight, more maturity. Okay...so the last was iffy. Huh, maybe they all three were. I have accepted the fact I am getting older and don't have the stamina I used to. I can't ride every day like I used to. I can't play ball with the kids like I used to. But I'm determined to go down fighting, kicking and screaming. Okay...so maybe not that drastic but I don't want to just waste away. I want to be useful until I can no longer be. Thanks for the challenge and the letter. Reminds me I need to focus on Jesus and be grateful for my lot in life.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill! Your words resonate with the lives I've seen of other pastors who have aged well, who continued in ministry until they were literally able to do it no longer. Refusing to sit in a chair and 'mark time,' they allowed God to use their calling in expanded yet modified ways.
DeleteI'm guessing that a number of pastors would resonate with that determination not to waste away and continue living out that holy calling.
Bless you in the process, Pastor!
Happy Birthday! I can say many of these same things to myself. I'm a few years behind you, but turning 60 a couple of years ago was quite jarring. I consider "old" is a couple of decades away, but I think part of my concern is being thought "old" by others, put on the shelf, not listened to, becoming invisible. I cling to God's promises that He's still with us and carrying us and caring for us in our grey-haired years, and "They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green" (Psalm 92:14).
ReplyDeleteAnother jar to the senses is the realization that time may be short. Of course, we never know how many days we have left, at any age. But I feel if God has left us here, He still has things to do in and through us. So we'll keep on keeping on. :-)
Jarring is the perfect word, Barbara! The arrival of a certain number, that realization that time may be short, more physical ailments, the death and homegoing of our peers and friends.
DeleteYes, you've got it.
Your words are a superb reminder not to let others define us, silence us, cast us aside. They can try, even in subtle ways, but we're making it our goal to please Him {2 Corinthians 5:9}.
And what a freedom that can be!
Good Morning Linda.
ReplyDeleteLast night I read your letter to yourself, and this morning I felt compelled to read it again. There is a hauntingly vulnerable transparent quality to your letter and I want to say thank you for posting it. As this morning has gone on, I've felt led to share with you that I do not see you having a pity party...
I see grief.
I see grief for what you've experienced this past year in particular... your health crises, your niece, your mentor, your practice, your family gatherings, your way of life... I see anticipatory grief... your beloved mother is struggling and you are companioning her, all the while anticipating her leaving this world... and you are anticipating your own aging process...
Turning 65 is nodal event; it is a mile marker that has a profound impact, positive or negative or both. It is my experience that nodal events catch me off guard; they blind-side me with not only their intensity, but for what they dredge up... unknown layers of grief. They are horribly uncomfortable and I liken them to an ocean's undertow. Using that metaphor, if I stop fighting the undertow and turn parallel to the wave, I eventually swim past it. In the world of grief, the only way is through, not around.
Your letter to yourself is a psalm, a lament. Well done. This too shall pass.
Carla
Well, Carla. I don't even have words to express how much your words have meant to me. To have someone listen so well and discern so deeply is a spectacular gift. I'm bowled over.
DeleteYes, I am living out grief and the losses are deep and varied and have impacted my soul, body, and brain chemistry. Grief over past, present, and future losses all rolled into one have been quite a powerful punch. It's a long and winding road.
I appreciate what you've observed about the mile markers in our lives. Yes, yes. Blind-sided, caught off guard, deep layer dredger-uppers, powerful undertows, for sure. You've painted an apt and powerful picture.
Your final words recalibrate me and refill me with hope. You've spoken gentle truth in every line and I thank you.
Are you writing somewhere? I would love to connect with you in the future. God has given you great wisdom. And you have blessed me profoundly.
Praise be.
Please be a steady presence here in the days ahead ...
Hello Linda, I'm thankful my thoughts were comforting and encouraging for you (as your words have been comforting and encouraging for me many times). To answer your question, I do not write anywhere online. I rarely comment on blogs. Since I don't have an online presence I will email my personal email address to you. I hope your birthday surprised you with moments of joy. Warmly, Carla
DeleteYou know when you've found a kindred spirit when each other's words continually comfort and resonate.
DeleteI'm grateful God has sent you into my life, Carla ...
Linda - i guess my birthday card wasn’t funny, huh? Sorry didn’t know your struggle but I certainly can relate. Now that I have 4 health issues, I found myself “meditating” on my problems...my devotional brought to my attention that fear for the believer is forgetfulness. Yes, aging fear is my default emotion. Solution: Pray that God will open my eyes to see and my heart to remember his awesome glory.
ReplyDeleteThen I watched on prime video the documentary called The Gardener. Frank Cabot took acres and acres of his land and over 75 years developed a Garden of Eden. There was a French building with landscape, a Japanese garden with authentically made house hut, waterfalls, brooks, flowers, flowers and more flowers and it made me meditate on God’s glory and our future heaven on earth! It truly was an Eden.
You NOT journaling? There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, there is a time to journal and a time to let it go, also there is a time to be young and a time to be old. I don’t like it either cause getting old is not for sissies and I can get right into sissy mode if my perspective is shadowed with fear.
Thankfully, God’s glory is all around us. I have to intentionally let my eyes be opened and my heart to remember. Ugh I feel a Romans 7 moment coming on.
Dearest Carol! Yes, your card was fun and you are delightful. But you know how deeply I value your godly insight and wisdom.
DeleteAnd this, right here, is sheer gold --> 'I found myself “meditating” on my problems...my devotional brought to my attention that fear for the believer is forgetfulness. Yes, aging fear is my default emotion.'
Absolutely. Absolutely.
And we already know that the enemy of our souls claps his slimy hands with glee when we begin to define ourselves by our fear instead of our Savior. Especially when God is calling us to serve Him in new and compelling ways that use the gifts He's given, sharpened and refined over time.
You have always spoken truth with heapings of grace in my life. I'm so grateful our friendship continues from afar. But so wish I could see you more often.
xo
Happiest of birthdays Linda! This year's was a tough birthday for me too. Still not sure why. Your post got me wondering about my "spiritual age," and thinking about God's work he's planned for me that I've yet to do, the growing and spiritual aging I've yet to achieve. I'm fairly certain my spiritual age does not match my chronological age. I've got some catching up to do and perhaps that should be my focus for the next year. Thanks, as always, for sparking more thought.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, what an invitation as we launch into an unknown season. To set our sights on our spiritual maturity instead of keeping a constant eye on our earthly numbers.
DeleteMay the Spirit's whispering to us and inviting us into a deeper relationship with Christ far supersede our so easily developed obsession with age and health and the here and now.
I'd venture to say we've ALL got some catching up to do! You're in good company, friend ...
Thanks for your honest vulnerability in sharing where you are in your journey. We'll cheer each other on.
Happy Birthday, Linda! I hope you enjoy celebrating. And thank you for sharing your reflections and your wise advice. I'm definitely having moments of throwing my own pity party right now, so I love this reminder to keep looking up and looking forward. And also the reminder that God looks on us with compassion.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, friend. I think there've been alot of pity parties happening. Acknowledging them puts them in the light where they belong so we can figure out what we want to do about it.
DeleteI don't want my legacy to be wrapped up in pity, sadness, coulda/woulda/shoulda's. I think God has more for all of us to be and to do.
We move forward, arm in arm, encouraging each other along the way!
Happy Birthday, Linda! This year has been so tough in that we all can't celebrate these milestones quite the way we would like. May we lift our eyes to the One who continues to fill our lungs with breath and find purpose in what He calls us to do each day. Blessings upon Blessings!
ReplyDeleteFinding purpose in what He calls us to do each day. Joanne, yes! This is a daily re-calibration, a daily necessity, a daily freedom. Our eyes lifted to the One who empowers us and calls us forward into a world that needs His light and hope.
DeleteYou're inspirational, girl!
Hi, Linda, I'm visiting from Grace & Truth. A very happy birthday to you! I hope your special day is filled to overflowing with love and joy and that it marks the beginning of a beautiful new year of life! I'm not too far behind you---I will hit the bit 6-0 in January. This has definitely been a strange year. My mom turned 80 in May, and although due to covid, I wasn't able to be with her to celebrate, I was able to make a trip to see her in June.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti @ Clothed with Joy
Patti, hi and welcome! I hear you about your mom and wanting to be with her. I'm so happy you could have that time in June. This surely is the time we want to be with those we love and so many families have been unable to get together.
DeleteI'll be by to see you soon. Again, welcome!
;-}
Oh Linda ... this post, and the comment conversation that follows, may be my favorite thing that I’ve read from you so far (and that’s saying something, considering how often your words speak directly to my heart). Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your inner dialogue, for modeling a healthy way to process when we are in turmoil about something. Many blessings to you in the coming year, my friend ... your presence in this online space is a gift to all of us.
ReplyDeleteLois, thanks so much for the ways you've been reaching out in this season. Your words of understanding and kindness have been refreshing water to a thirsty heart.
DeleteYes, please to healthy dialogues, words of affirmation and wisdom, and processing well back and forth, so that we can all continue spurring each other on in our journey forward.
As always, I'm so grateful that our paths continue to weave together and that our hearts beat as one. Bless you, friend.
Happy birthday, dear friend! I will be there in a year and a half.
ReplyDeleteOne of the bloggers I follow suggested that my recent bout with the blues sounds like the stages of grief she had also gone through due to all of the losses caused by the pandemic. It sounds reasonable. You have had other losses too, so you may be experiencing grief. Her wisdom helped me to get to the "acceptance" stage sooner than I would have otherwise. I love how we bloggers look out for each other! Blessings to you this coming year, Linda.
I am absolutely agreeing with you this morning, Laurie! Cultivating meaningful online relationships tends to birth a caring connection that helps us keep our moorings in times of uncertain weirdness.
DeleteI am grateful for the kindness and insight you always offer.
Bless you, friend.
Happy happy birthday! I too had trouble dealing with that particular age until the quote: Don't regret getting older. It is a privilege denied to many." That abruptly changed my heart.
ReplyDeleteWow, Jean! Yes, yes!
DeleteThanks for this spot on re-frame.
Happy, happy birthday, my dear, sweet friend! You don't look a day over 35. You are precious to all of us here in this beautiful community, and we are ever so thankful for you. May the dear Lord bless you with many, many more happy years to live out the wonderful calling He has upon your life.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Cheryl ... a day over 35, huh?!
DeleteThanks for the nudge toward focusing on the calling instead of a number on a calendar ... or the current challenges we're all facing.
You're a wise one, girl ...
;-)
I think often the first step toward letting God heal us is letting Him know just how we feel, laying it all out - because until we do, He really cannot. So many times I find myself trying to "be strong" and "carry on" because I don't want God to think I'm a whiner - like somehow He will love me better if I take care of it myself. What He really wants is for me to let Him take care of it - and He's just waiting for me to give it over to Him - but I have to call it what it is in the giving! Happy Birthday! Believing God has a year of blessing, joy and sweet surprises! ~ Maryleigh
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Maryleigh ... God wants us to cast all our cares on Him because He loves us so deeply and completely. I can't understand why we're often so reluctant to do so.
DeleteThank you for your benediction of 'blessing, joy and sweet surprises!'
;-)
Happy 65th, Linda! And weren't you the cutest little brown-eyed girl! Thanks for giving us not only a peek into your past but for being so vulnerable and brave here too. We are all facing these same feelings to be sure, but you're leading by example to show us the way out of them. Gratitude is something I'm working on too--starting off with being thankful you're in the blogosphere and my friend from afar! Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Beth!
DeleteGratitude is just the biggest gift we give ourselves, those around us, and mostly, God Himself!
It's a beautiful way to sift through what is impacting us and finding the good right in the middle of the messiness.
This, our sacrifice of praise.
Happy Birthday. Wishing you many more filled with happiness, good health and whatever else you wish.
ReplyDeleteYes 65 is a milestone. But so was 60, 50, 40 or any other future years we may have allotted to us by God. The trick is to be thankful for them, every morning, and to move forwards, slowly, in the knowledge that, as best we can, we are the living example He would wish us to be.
God bless always. He is pleased with you.
Yeah, you're a funny guy and all that, it's true, Victor. But you shine brightest when you share that deep wisdom that comes from above.
DeleteYour visit is a gift of renewed perspective and a bit of re-calibration and I thank you, friend!
Bless you.
Happy birthday
ReplyDelete;-}
DeleteYou are beautiful and look too young to be 65 years old. The letter to yourself is gracious with just enough admonishment to keep you motivated to finish strong. I celebrated a big birthday in February and wish I had thought to write a letter to myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are too kind, Mary!
DeleteWe're all gathering 'round and celebrating your return to blogging and the birthing of your new book. God is good ...
Doing strong with you, girl.
You're my hero, Linda. You never fail to encourage me, whatever the topic. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey into getting older. I'll turn 58 in a couple months so I'm not far behind you. I'm watching the beautiful, graceful way you handle life!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you link up at Grace & Truth too! Your words are always valuable.
Well, Lisa, I wouldn't call my handling of life in this season beautiful or graceful, but your words are generous and deeply encouraging today!
DeleteI know you join me in just doing the best we can, by His grace, to do the next right thing while looking forward look to what God will do in us and through us ...
He's the God of the impossible, the improbable, the miracle!