As I’ve recently celebrated another birthday, I find myself reflecting not only on the year behind me but also on the journey of life itself. Every birthday is a reminder that, from the moment we’re born, we all begin our march toward life’s end. It may sound a bit grim, but I believe this truth brings an urgency and preciousness to each moment we’re given. Death is no respecter of persons - young and old experience it. Life itself is a gift from God, and this day reminds me to cherish that gift.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
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| An Alternative to Eating Cake |
Acknowledging Life’s Dual Nature: Growth and Mortality
This birthday marks a milestone—a chance to celebrate being
alive and to honor the journey. I remind myself, and others, that as we age
each year, we’re also drawing closer to the day when we’ll meet our Creator.
Yet, each year is an opportunity to add purpose to this life, to impact
others, and to make our lives and communities better. Time, it seems, moves
both quickly and slowly. Some days stretch out, testing my patience and faith,
while other days pass like the blink of an eye.
“Whereas ye know
not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14)
Rediscovering and Reclaiming Independence
This past year, I’ve found myself rediscovering what it
means to move freely, in more ways than one. After years of coordinating
pickups and syncing my schedule with others, it’s been surreal to suddenly not
have to ask or wait. I vividly remember one moment in the kitchen when my mom
casually asked if I wanted to go somewhere. When I mentioned my plans, she just
looked at me with a smile and said, “You don’t have to ask permission. How old
are you? You’re a grown woman.”
In that moment, it really struck me—I could go wherever I
wanted, whenever I wanted, just like anyone else. For the first time in
a long time, I felt normal. Not having to rely on others, not needing to wait
or plan…this new freedom reminded me that I could live a bit more on my terms,
reclaiming pieces of myself and my independence, journey by journey.
Reflecting on the past year, I’m thankful for the obstacles I’ve overcome—especially my progress in driving. For me, driving has been more than just getting from one place to another. After fourteen years without it, reclaiming this ability has felt like reclaiming my independence. This is a privilege I don’t take for granted. I’ve been able to go to the local gym, visit nearby relatives, even drive myself to my own doctor’s appointments!
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When I first began driving again, I only felt comfortable on
secondary roads during the day. My trips were short, maybe twenty or thirty
minutes. Then I began daytime interstate driving, increasing the distance I travel,
and the time behind the wheel for a single trip. Recently, I’ve begun to tackle
nighttime interstate driving. This is a fear I plan to fully conquer. I pay
close attention to staying in the right lane, observing the speed limit, and
watching the road ahead. I try to avoid looking directly at headlights or
taillights, as they might impair my vision. With each journey, I gain a
little more confidence than before. I pray many times, as I travel, for God
to protect me and help me navigate safely to my destination, and He has not
failed to help me do the best I can. He is the friend who is always in the car
with me.
Reflecting on this progress reminds me of a memory shared by
a friend who knew me before my accident. Upon hearing that I had regained my
license, he referenced a time I drove a 1965 Mustang Fastback in front of a
group of people. He described that moment in a way that made me feel adequately equipped,
saying, in essence, that it was clear I had been through so much, and if anyone
deserved their license back, it was me. His words resonated deeply, lifting me
during times when I struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I had often
questioned if I was capable of driving again, wondering if I truly belonged on
the road. At one point, I even thought the driver’s license examiner gave me my
license out of pity. But as I reflected on that, I realized she would not have
issued it to me if I were a danger to myself or others. That was her job—to
give me my license because I had earned it.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for
I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Finding Encouragement and Remembering the Past
Every action we take contributes to the legacy we’ll leave
behind. Whether or not we realize it, there are people watching us—our
words, our actions, our choices. As I reflect on the past year, I recognize
that even the smallest of actions contribute to the person I’m becoming and the
impact I have on others. I want to live with intention, making each day count
and leaving behind a legacy that honors God and brings light to others.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew
5:16)
Embracing the Privilege of Love
I’m reminded that love is one of life’s greatest privileges,
a gift we should never take for granted. Not everyone has the opportunity to
both give and receive love, and I consider it a blessing to experience it in my
life. Love is a bond that strengthens us, motivates us, and keeps us moving
forward. I want to embrace this privilege fully, cherishing the relationships I
have and striving to love others the way God loves us.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;
and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” (1 John 4:7)
Reflecting on another year gone by, I realize that God has a
unique path for each of us. His purpose is not always what we envision, but His
plan is perfect, even when it’s beyond our understanding. I often refer to Jeremiah
29:11, which has been a comforting reminder in my life: “For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of
evil, to give you an expected end.” This verse was given to me during my
hospital stay on a little cross in my room. I still have the cross, and it
serves as a daily reminder of the hope I have for my future and the expected
outcome God has for me.
The verses that follow—Jeremiah 29:12-13—also
resonate deeply with me: “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and
pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me,
when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” These verses encourage
me to continually seek God and trust that He is listening, guiding me every
step of the way. I’ve had to let go of certain dreams, but I’ve gained
others, each a blessing in its own way. I trust that my life is unfolding
according to His design, and I know that whatever challenges come, He is with
me. I believe that my life is not only a journey but a testimony of God’s
faithfulness.
God has faithfully allowed me to encounter people and things
at the precise time I needed to. The direction provided has been exactly what
was needed because God is always right on time.
Reflecting on Eternity
Birthdays remind me not only of the years I’ve lived but of
the eternity that awaits. Life on earth is temporary, a stepping stone
toward something greater. As I celebrate another year, I’m grateful for
each moment but also mindful of the hope of heaven. I look forward to the day
when all our struggles will cease, and we’ll be with God forever. Until then, I
strive to live in a way that brings glory to Him, knowing that my days are in
His hands.
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to
come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
Celebrating the Journey, Not Just the Years
Another year has passed, a milestone marked by yet another
birthday. While it’s a moment to celebrate being alive, it’s also a reminder
that, as we age each second, we are ultimately moving toward the end of our
earthly journey. As I reflect, however, I find comfort in this thought: "Life
is not measured in years, but by the deeds of man." This truth reminds
me that the real value of life is not in the years I’ve counted, but in the
steps I’ve taken, the challenges I’ve faced, and the victories I’ve celebrated
along the way.
While this year may not have brought all the accomplishments
I once dreamed of, it’s been rich with meaningful moments. Every drive I take,
every visit to the gym, every moment I’ve spent working to rebuild and redefine
my independence is part of a story that goes beyond any measure of time. These
are the deeds that shape my journey and the legacy I leave behind.
How do you measure your milestones? Listen to these lyrics: Praise and With Lifted Hands
Be encouraged. 🧡
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