It’s my birthday today, and it’s a pretty big one. It’s one of those where you enter a whole new decade and say good-bye to the younger one. You know what I mean…unless you’re only 9.

As I look back on the previous xx years (oops my keyboard won’t type a number that high) I can’t believe that much time has passed. I remember sitting on my Grandmother’s front porch when I was about 5. She would have been the age I am now. And she told me to not take my parents and grandparents for granted. She said,

“They’ll be gone before you know it, and you’ll miss them very much.”

I remember thinking “why do old people talk like that?”

OK…I totally get it now. One day you’re young, and someone else is in charge of paying the bills, making meals, and driving the car. You blink a couple of times, it seems, and suddenly you’re that person. That “old” person who talks about how quickly time is slipping away.

But it’s fine.

Even though it’s my birthday, I’m not worried about old age.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the idea of it anymore than anyone else, but I’m not worried because I have a living, loving Lord who’ll walk with me all the days of my life. And when I don’t feel strong enough, He’ll be there for me to lean on. And even when I reach my last breath, His light will instantly guide me home.

Now…I don’t expect that to be anytime soon. In fact, my wife and I have plans to have a very fun day…despite my well-advanced years. We’re in a new place…which is still a warmly familiar place here in Colorado. And we’re going to explore and partake of local fare and entertainment.

My birthday, this year, will be extra special because people meant bad things for me in recent months…and God saw fit to work my circumstances into much better things. He’s awesome that way. I’m thankful to Him for giving me the gift of life. I hope you are too. If so, let me know, and that will be the best birthday gift you could give me.

Stay tuned…