In waking up with running electricity in my home, I got everything I wanted for my birthday today.
This past week has been full.
The kids and I experienced an earthquake while waiting on ice cream at Chick-fil-a.
I went to the Women of Faith conference in DC and was so encouraged and blessed in my own faith.
Then I came home to a tropical storm that left us without power for three days.
Now that I am into my 30’s, birthdays in and of themselves don’t seem like such a big deal, but my children sure do make up for the excitement that I lack over this personal holiday.
My little ones have been counting down the days to my birthday since their daddy’s birthday was over in June. They’ve been making cards, wrapping homemade presents and talking about a surprise birthday party for months!
I’ve become content with life.
Really, there’s not much that I want for.
I realize how richly blessed I am.
As we weathered the storm this weekend and were forced to live without the convenience of electricity in our home, my only wish for my birthday was to have that convenience back.
I wanted to come downstairs to coffee being made by my Keurig rather than the drive-thru worker at McDonald’s.
I wanted to read my Bible with light provided by the lamp sitting on the end table.
I wanted to cook my favorite breakfast and serve it to my family.
Yesterday morning the kids and I spend the morning at the park. We came home to a well-lit house…our power was restored!
I knew then that my birthday wishes would come true.
What I didn’t know, or realize, is how small those birthday wishes were in comparison to what I actually received.
I woke up beside my best friend, my husband who I know loves me and cares for me so very deeply.
I had coffee from my own brewer while taking in the promises in God’s word. It is such a privilege to be able to hold, to read, His word, and to grow in my walk with Him without fear of persecution.
I was greeted by my two sweet girls that were so excited to run downstairs and wish me a Happy Birthday!
I received homemade cards and four pennies wrapped in tissue paper and topped with ribbon. These gifts came from their hearts, out of a simple desire to show their love and care for me.
I’ve been wished “Happy Birthday” and told how beautiful I am by my children no less then three million times.
I was kissed with wet baby kisses, slimy and sweet.
I have been reminded of the beauty of friendship through the many birthday wishes I’ve received through Facebook…friends near and far, old and new.
And you know what??? This day isn’t even half-way over!
Today as I turn another year older I am reminded again of how truly blessed I am.
Thank you for allowing me to share my abundant blessings with you!
Jodi says
Happy Birthday. We share a great day. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great rest of your birthday.
Monica says
Thank you, Jodi. Happy Birthday to you as well!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day!!
Rachel Childress says
I am so glad you had a great birthday! I am so sorry I forgot to call! I am sure the children were so excited for your birthday. Caroline still is when anyone’s birthday rolls around!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I am also glad to hear you all have power. We had A LOT of debris…HUGE mess to clean up; power was out at the church… so no church Sunday, but we were fortunate. Many people had downed trees, power out, etc. in this area, but we didn’t. I am also glad to hear you got home safe and sound. I was nervous for you…I figured you all would be going back in that mess.
I hope you have a fabulous day! Give my little girls and boy a hug from their Aunt Rachel. I am going to need to see them soon…I miss them! 🙂
Jenn says
This was a beautiful post, Monica. Happy Birthday to you!
Erin says
Happy birthday again! Love that post!
shelbi says
what a week you have had! happy birthday!!! so glad you made it through all of that and a b-day to boot! 🙂 thanks for stopping over, so nice getting your comment today monica….x0