27 Years of Gratitude
I turn 62 this week. And I'm grateful.
About this time 27 years ago, I had just begun rebuilding my life. For the first time, I was beginning to look forward to what the next day would bring, grateful for the path I was on. Since then, the road has become more joyful with each passing year. And God has brought gifts and resources into my life that would take a long time to describe — if words were even up to the task.
Yes, my body has begun to slow down a bit. But there is no way I would trade the joy I have now for my youth. I used to think Mark Twain was right, that youth is wasted on the young. But if it were not for the energy I had 27 years ago, I might not have been able to keep moving while my heart was being healed and mended by God. I needed my youthfulness, but not for the reasons I thought.
For nearly three decades now, I have been on a journey I had previously thought would never happen. A journey that has been filled with joy, despite the many struggles and setbacks that have marked the path. But the truth is, I have lost track of the number of times I have been surprised by so much goodness from God that I have turned to my wife, Jan, with gratitude in my heart and said, "You never know what is going to happen when you get up in the morning!"
"Happy Birthday" doesn't begin to cover it!