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Last week I had a birthday and turned 37. I love having a birthday but I do admit that some birthdays feel harder emotionally than others. So to combat the birthday blues I decided to make a list of things that I have been thankful to have, do, or learn during my 37 year journey. (these are not listed in order of importance!)
#1. Electricity
#2. Plumbing/Running water- outhouses and portapotties are NOT for me
#3. Beauty found in nature
#4. Nail polish- nothing makes me feel instantly feminine and pretty like a little coat of polish on my nails and toes
#5. Sunday naps
#6. Reality TV- without it I might miss teaching my kids important life lessons that hopefully they will not have to experience themselves because they have watched first hand the silliness and bad example of others
#7. Saturday shopping at my favorite stores
#8. Colorado mountains- instantly they made me aware of my smallness in this world and feel in awe of God
#9. Driveway dates on a beautiful evening with my neighbor across the street
#10. Music- I love how there is usually always a song that can match a memory or create/express emotion within the listener
#11. A job that has good benefits and great team colors: ORANGE! POWER!
#12. My church- it is a great place with great people
#13. Ridiculous SYFY movies
#14. The power of imagination- it is highly entertaining and inspiring to watch children use theirs
#15. That my kids still ask me to snuggle
#16. Dogs- they are so loving and accepting
#17. Good hair products
#18. My experience at Mayo Demonstration School working with the most creative, forward thinking, and hard working staff I have ever met or had the privilege to work with.
#19. Beaches (both the movie and the destination)
#20. Being part of a family
#21. My children- through them I have an understanding of God's love for me and and an instant appreciation of my parents mixed with regret for being a bit of a difficult child myself
#22. Earrings- they instantly "jazz" up an outfit
#23. My husband- I need someone to lovingly tell me no one uses the word "jazz" that way anymore
#24. My thirties- during them I have realized how utterly foolish, insecure, and aimless I was in my twenties
#25. Grace and Forgiveness- that God extends it to me and that I have learned the healing power/miracle that happens when I extend it to others
#26. Laughter- an instant stress reliever and awkward situation diffuser
#27. My Freshman Keyboarding class in high school
#28. Time spent with girl friends (Aqua Zumba, walks, lunch dates, garage sales, road trips, game nights, etc)
#29. The enjoyment and benefit I have found in reading the Bible daily
#30. My marriage- the worst and best, hardest and easiest, most frustrating and most rewarding thing I have ever entered into.
#31. Healthy fear- the older I get the more I wash my hands, think about germs, and act in a more wise and cautious manner than I did as a kid
#32. Love- my word for the year!
#33. Lifelong friends who knew me when, know me now, and love me still
#34. The opportunities I have had to work with children and families that live with delays or disabilities. They have changed me for the better, grown my heart, and enriched me in a way I never thought possible.
#35. Growing up in a home that taught me about Jesus
#36. Having learned that my walk with God is not about being religious, ritualistic, or good enough but is about engaging in a real and honest relationship with him
#37. Another day of breath in my lungs and good health- Life is so fleeting. Daily I read about bad things happening in this world or about a beloved friend, co-worker, or family member passing on. Another day granted to me on this earth is another day to love Jesus, love others, make a difference, and appreciate the goodness and people that surround me everyday!
Thank you Lord, for this first 37 years and I pray you grant me more than another 37 years on this earth to continue growing, learning, and experiencing all you have planned for me.
