My family goes all out when it comes to birthdays. Patrick and I take turns baking and decorating the girls’ cakes; I handle their even-year birthdays and he handles their odd years. That leaves us both with two cake challenges annually: one daughter’s and one spouse’s.
Sometimes our cake constructions last for days. This process is not for the faint of heart! Poor Patrick has a busy month for many reasons. Not only is April packed full of events and work deadlines and college visits for Lillie, but her 17th birthday lands just two weeks after mine. That’s two cakes to conquer for my dear husband! And this year happens to be a major milestone birthday for me (GULP). I mean, no pressure, but he needs to make this one count!
This birthday has inspired much reflection for me. I’ve dreaded it for some time, not because of a vanity issue, but because my brain will not compute the fact that I am this old. How did this happen? I am the age my mother was when Patrick and I got married! It’s easy to question what the Lord is doing at this point in my life. Have we reached the extent of our musical accomplishments or ministry capabilities? How will our parents’ needs impact our future? How about our daughters and their upcoming new life stages? I find myself constantly reflecting on what has been while simultaneously dreaming about what may be.
I believe there are two options for me as I approach this fresh decade of life: I can grin and bear it while hiding it under a bushel (this is actually not a bad option—I am under no obligation to publicly express my personal realities!). Or I can steal lyrics from The Greatest Showman and boldly sing from the rooftops, “This is Me!” I realize that most people live somewhere between such extremes. Though my life is currently topsy turvy, I am confident in my Savior, so I am going to choose the latter while seeking to glorify Him in the process.
When it became obvious that Gratefulness Matters was going to be ready for release in April, we decided to combine this major birthday with this very special launch. What a perfect way to express my gratitude to the Lord for the many days He has allowed me to walk this earth. I am presenting to my fellow sisters in Christ twelve Gratefulness Reminders that will deepen their understanding of their union with Him. May our lives be transformed for His glory as we answer our call to gratitude!
Today, I am most grateful for two things: this study, which is ripe and ready for your hands, and for my birthday, which represents years of God’s faithfulness to me. I’m going to milk this decade for all it’s worth, owning it all the way for His glory…
My name is Amy Fata and I am grateful to be 50.
Liked this post? Follow this blog to get more.