The house is quiet. My kitchen table is covered with birthday gifts – all laid out so I can admire them for a few days before putting them away. This has been quite a day.
This morning, I went to a baby shower for one of the precious ladies at our church. Celebrating new life is a reminder of how amazing our God is to us. When he blesses a family with a new baby, he also blesses those around that child. What a joy babies bring into the world. No room is the same after a baby enters.
As the day continued, I picked up my sister-in-law and we spent the day together. Spending time with special family and friends is what life is all about. My friends and family are like an extension of God’s love. I’m so thankful that I have been blessed with people who would be there for me in a heartbeat if I were in need. I hope I am as available to them as they are to me.
One of our stops today was to a birthday party for the daughter (now 2) and son (almost 1) of a couple with whom Eric and I are friends – both children born in August. It is so much fun to watch little people grow and experience life. The little fella tried opening one of his gifts by chewing it open (seriously, SO CUTE!) and the little princess lit up when she opened her doll and horsey. There is something adorable about hearing a two year old say “open.” So, the day started with the celebration of a brand new life and continued with the celebration of two little lives getting a year older.
The day continued with coffee, Virginia Candle Outlet, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Old Navy and Ross. Could it be that my sister-in-law had a lot of shopping to do? Or, could it be… that I was being occupied?!
When we got to my house after our “girl’s day,” I was informed by my hubby that I had ten minutes to get ready to go to dinner. He had told me a couple weeks previously that he wanted to take me out for my birthday. On the way to “dinner,” Eric said that he had an errand to run. We pulled into our church parking lot, walked up the stairs, and into a room full of people yelling, “Surprise!”
For someone who is not keen on surprises, I was thrilled to see so many smiling faces. My friends keep secrets well!
Shortly after arriving, Eric walked out of the room to get pizza, and then he walked back in followed by my dad and mom. What an awesome surprise to have them drive up from North Carolina (a five hour trip by car) for my party! We all ate pizza, salad, and breadsticks and Eric had each person tell their favorite shared memory of me and the person which was very special followed by birthday cake. Then, like a child, I was ready to tear into the gifts people brought for me. ~smile~
It was a long day, but it was a good day full of celebrations. After returning home and preparing for bed, I thought about all the blessings in my life. We are so quick to think about all the blessings we haven’t been given. Today, I was compelled to think about all the blessings God’s given me in the form of people. I have a truly amazing support system and the opportunity to love and cherish a lot of precious children.
Yesterday, I turned the big 3-0. It seems like only yesterday I was turning 20 and wondering where my life was heading. I wasted a good portion of my 20’s being afraid of the future, refusing to take chances, and finding reasons why I could not accomplish certain goals. As I enter into this new phase of life, I plan to approach life with a positive outlook, to look forward to new adventures, and to spend more time being thankful and less time being afraid.
To those who have shared the last decade with me, those that have shared my entire life with me, and those who are just now getting to know me (whether through my blogs or in person), thank you for being a part of my life. Turning 30 is easier knowing you are all in it with me. ~smile~
When you think over the past year and decade of your life, what comes to mind?