Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Happy Birthday to me



(See who else is Thankful today by clicking on picture above)

I am thankful that God has blessed me by showing me what his mercy and grace is all about. And giving me another year,a better year.

Last year, I turned 38 while sitting in a hospital bed, staring out the window at the grey sky, waiting to see if the medicine would work, and I might avoid surgery. It didn't. I couldn't.

I alternated between worrying about keeping my lousy job that I did not even want, and helping my husband who was already stretched too thin having to now take care of a very sick wife and his very sick father, who lived with us.

I turned 38. Had a hysterectomy. Stayed home. Lost the job. Buried my father in law.

The year went on. I thought I was going to have to sit on that couch forever, but I didn't. My life changed.

Today I turned 39. It was an exceptionally beautiful day- clear, bright blue sky, a little chilly- and I have never felt better.

This has been one of the happiest birthdays I can remember having. The early morning phone calls, the surprise flower delivery from a friend, the present from my boss, a big lunch with the office, a sweet gift from my sweet husband, chocolate cake, cards in the mailbox, e-mails and more phone calls, and God allowing me another year. In doing so, teaching me what his grace and mercy really mean.

10 comments:

Carrie said...

Happy Birthday and may God grant you have many more!

Hope said...

Happy Birthday! This past weekend I just celebrated my birthday and it was one of the best in a long time. For some of the same reasons. The joy is in the little things, isn't it?

Amy said...

Wow you've been through quite a year! I"m so glad you've got the Lord in your life - he's the best support person ever :-)

L said...

Hi,

Well, A very Happy Birthday to you!! Such a touching post, and know the Lord is looking down on you now and smiling :) Thank you very much for visiting my Thankful Thursday... Hugs, Balloons, and Cake

Susan said...

Oh Happy Birthday Bobbie!

I'm so blessed you are feeling much better, and life is really good for you now.

What a difference one year can make!

Wishing you many, many more wonderful birthdays!

Blessings~

Gina said...

Happy Birthday!!! What an inspiring and encouraging story.

Melanie said...

Happy Birthday, Bobbie! I am so glad this birthday brings so many new positive things for your life. May God Bless you this year!

mariel said...

Happy birthday! May this year be marked by the goodness of the Lord!
I celebrated my birthday last week and could not stop praising the Lord for all the 'small' gifts He has placed in my life. I look forward to all He will do in and through my life this year!

Denise said...

Happy Birthday, may you be sweetly blessed with many more.

eph2810 said...

Bobbie - I am so thrilled to read that you had a super birthday. I am glad that you are feeling so good :) Yeah - sometimes it takes a detour to know what His grace and mercy is all about.

Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.

Blessings to you and yours.