For me this day is a second thanks giving day. Specifically, it’s a day to give thanks for my wonderful country and my freedom.
I’ve been blessed to travel a lot and have seen some beautiful places in this world, but of all the places I’ve been, I like my home best. (Of course, I know that you in other countries feel the same about your homelands and that is how it should be. But today, being the birthday of my homeland, I am celebrating it!)
I’m grateful to ancestors who gave so much to come here from England, Scotland, Denmark, and Ireland. I’m grateful for all those who gave their lives to make us independent and all those who have served and sacrificed to preserve our freedom and help extend freedom to others.
If you’ve ever watch the movie, Fiddler on the Roof, you’ve heard the song “L’Chaim.” L’chaim literally means “to life” and it is often used on special occasions as a Jewish toast. But the phrase has deeper meaning than the words capture. Rachel Naomi Remen in her book My Grandfather’s Blessings explains that the phrase means that “No matter what difficulty life brings, no matter how hard or painful or unfair life is, life is holy and worthy of celebration.”
I love that thought. Living life is a sacred experience and when we remember that thought it changes how we experience life. And when we remember that life is holy we know that each moment is worth celebrating no matter what the moments bring.
So celebrate this moment by giving thanks or shouting hurray or dancing or singing or whatever you do to celebrate!
Easter is coming! The celebration of the Good News! the best news that ever happened. And one of the things that has blessed my life and made that celebration more meaningful and exciting is that every Easter I give myself a present; I read the Four Gospels of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I look forward to this and since Easter is four weeks from yesterday, it is time to begin, and I’m inviting you to join me in reading this year. It doesn't take long, but is worth every minute it takes.
The Four Gospels are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and reading about His life before Easter is an amazing way to celebrate Easter. It helps me remember, as I’m coloring eggs, that eggs are a symbol of the new life Jesus Christ made possible. It helps me remember, as I see the cute little Easter bunnies in stores, that rabbits are a symbol of prolific life and re-creation—again things that Jesus Christ made possible for me. But what I love most is that reading the Four Gospels helps me to feel the events that are Easter.
So join me in celebrating Easter by reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and making Easter last for weeks instead of days.
I’ve never been able to understand people who want to forget about birthdays. Getting older isn’t wonderful physically, but in so many other ways it is fantastic. Life is cumulative and over the years I’ve accumulated more family, more friends, more knowledge, more wisdom, more experience, and lots more love. That’s reason to celebrate! Life is wonderful and there is no way I’m going to mourn the passing of years. I’m going to rejoice in the accumulation!
In two weeks I’m having another birthday and I’m going to celebrate the whole month of February. I was due to be born the 29th—it was leap year. And I came three weeks early on the 5th so I figure the whole month is mine. And I’m not going to be shy about it. I’m going to ask you all for a present—a specific present. I LOVE seeing the pictures on the left side of my blog of you followers. It’s warm and friendly and makes me feel loved. So for my birthday, if you haven’t already done it, go to the followers spot and click to be a follower so I can see you there every day. (I know you must think I’m crazy, but I do love seeing you all!) Invite your family, friends, neighbors, strangers—anyone you know who might want the Good News! The more the merrier!
I’ll be doing a lot of other things this birthday month. Like I say I don’t understand people who brush over a birthday like it was poison. Life has enough adversity. Any possible reason to shout for joy and celebrate should be celebrated. After all, the alternative to having this birthday is to be nailed into a box and buried deep in the ground. But I’m on top of the ground, breathing, loving, learning, singing, breathing. (I know I already said that, but at my age it is REALLY important!) I’ve accumulated one more year and everything attached to that year. That is reason to celebrate. So if you haven't already, sign on and help me celebrate.
I love you!
(P.S. The picutre is of D5 celebrating New Year's. If you think it isn't very nice of me to post such a picture, you should see the picture she posted of me on her blog!!!!)
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