1. God doesn't worry about age. He has a plan for every season of my life including this one, and I don't want to simply coast to the finish line. I want to run my race well, daily seek His will, and ask Him what I should be doing with my life today. Then I want to do that thing whole heartedly.
2. I have fewer years ahead of me than behind me.
3. A long marriage is a worthwhile commitment. In the timeline of marriage there's no tick mark that says once you've made it to here, 10 years, 20 years, 41 years, you can quit trying and it will all just magically continue working. Marriage is a daily proposition.
The world tells us it's our own happiness that is of paramount importance, but I think in marriage the opposite is true. Tamping down our own desire to be right...choosing not to stack up all the little irritations into what can then become a not so little pile...putting the other person's needs ahead of our own... these are the things that grow a marriage.
Life ebbs and flows and so does marriage. I want to keep that list of things I love about my husband in the forefront of my brain and put that other list to the side. You know the one, right?
4. Guacamole is life.
5. When the world's on fire get off social media and head for the hills. Or the woods. Sit beside the ocean, hike to a mountaintop, watch the sun rise, count the stars. Time spent in nature connects us to the Creator, and is the very best way to reset a tilted life.
6. The things I want most in life now are not things.
7. A cup of tea makes life better. Upset stomach? Disagreement with your spouse? Agonizing over a decision you need to make? Have some tea. Brewed not microwaved. In a real cup.
8. One of the greatest pleasures in life is reading a book
9. Little things mean a lot.
10. Life is fragile. Handle with prayer.
Everything you said is so true and good except for the detail about the green gross stuff that many people (including you) seem to like so much :). I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteI love this!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the way you express yourself in writing, a special gift!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post and very true words! I wholeheartedly agree about a cup of tea it does make everything better!
Happy birthday, sweet friends. Your words are always wise; your reflections are honest. I’m grateful for our friendship, which began with this the blogverse. Your words have enriched my life as well as countless others.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! This is an awesome list!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Wise observations, indeed. Thanks for sharing!! Happy birthday!! xo
ReplyDeleteThis was such a beautiful list, and I love how you tied it to your birthday reflections. I especially resonated with what you wrote about marriage — such wisdom in choosing daily to set aside irritations and instead focus on the things we love about our spouse. And yes, number 5 is so true… nature has such a way of resetting our hearts and pointing us back to the Creator. I couldn’t agree more about the little things meaning so much, and of course, “life is fragile, handle with prayer” is the perfect reminder for all of us. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with God’s peace, joy, and blessings!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday x Great list!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of getting off social media and going into nature. I also love guacamole :). Hope it's been a fun day for you and that is such a cute picture of you!
ReplyDeleteYeah I also have fewer years ahead of me than those behind me, and a long marriage takes work, patience and understanding. I think reading is a great way to spend ones time
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking list. I agree about marriage. It does take a lot of work, and I hope I am learning to be more patient in all my relationships as I get older. Have a very happy birthday. I'll be celebrating mine on Sunday (and all weekend.)
ReplyDeleteThere is so much wisdom here! Love this! You are an inspiration to read on the daily/daley - bahahaha. I hope you have some fun this weekend that fills your cup.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing as Maria; guacamole is NOT for me... nor is tea but I do agree with the rest of it. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAmen & Amen! Could not agree more with each of your points.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful things to know and by which to pattern life. Thanks for sharing. I l like them all, but the one that rings the most true for me is time spent with our Lord is "the very best way to reset a tilted life." Oh, so true!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. You are so good at blogging.
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