REFLECTION

 

Today is my 76th birthday.  HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?  What better time to pause and reflect on the years than on the annual celebration of your entry into this physical world.  I often think of my mother and father and wonder what that day was like for them.  My mother has told me that it was common practice during that period for women to stay in the hospital a week or two following birth.  She never told me the details of my birth--one more thing I wish I could ask.  I do have a telegram my Daddy sent to my paternal Aunt Teets announcing my arrival.  So thankful they saved that and gave it to me.  I know he rushed out and bought a "bride doll" which I still have today for "his baby girl".  It was a time when girls were expected to grow up and marry. Those of us who have experienced the birth of a baby know what a roller coaster ride of emotions that day can bring.  Men were not allowed in the delivery room, but the same doctor who delivered my first baby delivered me in the hospital in Ruston---my home from 17 until a couple of years ago.  Most of my life was spent in that sweet town.  My children all say it was a great place to grow up.  All three of them moved away and we now all live in Texas.  Ironic since my mother was raised in Texas and claimed to be a Texan until her last breath.  Over the years I have experienced great blessings and periods of great heart break.  I have laughed often -sometimes until I thought my side would split and and  sobbed so deeply I thought my heart was figuratively broken.  The day I was born, I am certain my parents had great hopes for me.  I wonder what they would think if they were still here.  I have had a good life---I look forward to more "good days", and accept there will also be more trials to come.  That is what makes us who we are----our life experiences.  At the present, I am at peace ---and I have adopted the mantra of "what will be-will be", and God will use it all for His good purpose.  I am thankful for the life I have been blessed with and know the source of all the joy and blessings.  I also know The Faithful One who has carried me when I could not walk through the worst of days.  For many years, my most important relationship has been with God---the One I run to during struggles and the One I praise in the midst of all the good and the only one who has loved me in spite of my failings.  There is a song which beautifully relates what I am trying to say--"Give me Jesus".

I don't want anything but You

You're more than every dream come true

All of the things I thought I wanted

Don't come close to knowing You

Now that I'm Yours and You are mine

Our love is the secret that I find

I'll spend forever in the pleasure

I found looking in Your eyes

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world

You can have all this world

More than silver, more than gold

You are the treasure that I hold

Now that I've tasted of Your goodness

Nothing else will satisfy

Just give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

And you can have all this world

You can have all this world

Happy Day Of My Birth---

I am thankful for it all---

and if there is more- 

I pray I can live it reflecting Him.

"For the Lord sees not as man sees:

man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart."

I Samuel 16:7