"Who Do You
Love"
Well, I've been
deep in this sleeplessness, I don't know why
Just can't get away
from myself
When I get back on
my feet, I'll blow this open wide…
and carry me home
in good health
~ MARIANAS TRENCH
Thank You to Everyone who reached out to me on my recent Birthday!
Early on the morning of the 17th, I awoke with wishes from
several friends for my birthday. However there was one that grabbed my
attention, as I knew a chapter of my youth is now behind me. The first Happy
Birthday message I received was from Medical Alert! I then eagerly scanned my
other emails, with the possibility of maybe Voltaren extending birthday wishes
and a $1.00 off coupon for my arthritis. While my middle-aged health issues
were reality checks, I secretly was hoping to find an e-card with the massive
alligator on the Florida nature reserve, super imposed with a smile that said: “I’m
walking on sunshine…” to cheer me up.
However, the best was yet to arrive when I saw a birthday
e-card from my friend Terry, with kitties playing a piano tune. A text soon
arrived from Michelle wishing me lots of love and a reminder to be open for any
‘signs’ shining upon me.
At the same time as my feet touch the carpet, I turn the
radio on my cell to hear Adele croon…
“I'd be your last love everlasting you and me…That was what
you told me...
I'm giving you up…I've
forgiven it all…You set me free…”
Well played Adele.
Reaching over for my tea mug that displays the epic mantra
of my life, I have to take a moment to recall how many years of age I have
turned. Then, I equate it to the battles I have fought. By my calculations, per
every 16790 days I have been alive, on average I have slayed my way through 8,392
legendary combats. Yet never a drop of blood has been spilled; when the
dust is settled and life lessons taught, there are prayers for those who some may
deem my enemies.
From Romans 12; 14-17 Joni Eareckson Tada quotes the
following:
As for those who try to make your life a misery, bless them instead of cursing them. Share the happiness of those who are happy, the sorrow of those who are sad. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t become superior over another, but take a real interest in those who are ordinary people. Don’t become set in your own opinions. Don’t pay back a bad turn with a bad turn, to anyone.
Being a Christian with imperfections, everyday is like
Groundhog Day for me -sometimes I see my shadow, while others I am reflected by
the light. Within me is a purpose to strive for a life lead in accordance to
the words above. However until I get it right I will live another day to face
my battles…not alone, but with my Creator leading the way.
Continuing on with my morning, it was filled with a burst
of colour in the bouquet and birthday cards awaiting me. The first card had a sparkle
of poppies across the stock card, bringing forth a smile as my life, is interspersed with Papaver orientales, echoing remembrance.
The second card had me chuckling, as it was well-matched for
my absurd sense of humour.
Ordering our coffees, Terry’s mug arrived in a simple
striped design, but mine had me in awe. The cup has a Sitka tree. Years ago at Christmas, I purchased a set of dinnerware, which is the exact design. There was a 50/50 chance in me being served my beverage in the mug and I was
delighted when it found its way into my hands. Another gentle reminder correlated
to my own tale of a exalted Sitka spruce.
Another whimsical lady sharing January 17th as
her birthday is the outspoken comedic Betty White. Over the decades of
performing, the audience has seen her filled with glee, over the shock value of her
words. At 95 years young, there is a rite of passage with Betty that she has
earned wide recognition for making people laugh.
While Terry and I parted ways for the morning, later on I return to her home. For my birthday, she gave me a gift bag with a pampering certificate for myself and a wonderful kitty cat rock. The painted likeness reminds me of Terry's lovely cat Minx- who I enjoy petting. Watching her mischievous nature come out to play, always brings a smile to me.
Later in the evening, I watched the movie “Hidden Figures.” A gratifying, poignant film based on a true story; interlaced with the crusading of three African- American women, who lead a movement against racism. During the era, their profound contributions were overlooked in NASA’s historical account of space flight trials and triumphs.
Sitting a few rows apart from me was an elder gentleman.
His hearty laugh filled the theatre area, while his tender emotions for the storytelling, presented itself at a emotional part of the film. Glancing over, I
saw him wipe tears away with a Kleenex. As I witnessed his heartache come to
life, somewhere within me, it stirred up a longing to find someone who would
never be ashamed to express themselves in a darkened room of strangers.
When my night drew to a close, I stood under the stardust
of our galaxy and made a wish. Every year since I can recall, I’ve made a birthday
promise to myself. I mark this year from the last and divide it by all I have
overcome.
There is no reason to expand what was whispered up to the
heavens on the day I was born…for the only person who knows my inner desires, is the One I give ALL
of my glory to.
by TL Alton
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