I woke up today with a call from my thoughtful boyfriend, across the ocean, wishing me a "Happy Birthday." Some people don't like getting older. I don't mind it. If I live to be 80-years-old, I hope I'm full of smile wrinkles, have lots of grand-children I can spoil with chocolate chip cookies and sport neon tennis shoes as I run errands. Life should be embraced! After all, "...You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14)
This summer I had the opportunity to hold my friend's newborn baby. Every time I am able to do so, I'm reminded just how miraculous we are. The frail little fingers. The delicate eyelashes. The soft, pink cheeks. The human heart beats approximately 72 times a minute- that's 103, 680 beats per day- astounding! Even today, the experiences, simple yet rich. Realities of life such as tasting sweet, breakfast crepes topped with fluffy whipped cream. Laughing with kids as they recited silly lines from animated movies. Wiping away silent tears as I missed those I love that are far away. Listening to romantic Arabic music waft though the air while enjoying the glow of soft, yellow candles. Smelling the variety of Lebanese cuisine spice as I dined out with favorite friends. Touch. Smell. Sight. Hearing. Taste. LIFE!
A beating heart is an epicenter of existence.
I say all this to reflect upon an even greater reality and the thing I am thankful for today- my new heart. I'm not talking about the Tin Man and the Wizard. I'm talking about a living God who gave me new birth through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..." (I Peter 1:3-4a)
Yes, life is a mist, we are not promised tomorrow, but I look forward to each new day, each new year, because it's only a step closer to being with my Lord and Savior for all eternity. And knowing Him- it's not something I have to wait to experience- it's for today!
This summer I had the opportunity to hold my friend's newborn baby. Every time I am able to do so, I'm reminded just how miraculous we are. The frail little fingers. The delicate eyelashes. The soft, pink cheeks. The human heart beats approximately 72 times a minute- that's 103, 680 beats per day- astounding! Even today, the experiences, simple yet rich. Realities of life such as tasting sweet, breakfast crepes topped with fluffy whipped cream. Laughing with kids as they recited silly lines from animated movies. Wiping away silent tears as I missed those I love that are far away. Listening to romantic Arabic music waft though the air while enjoying the glow of soft, yellow candles. Smelling the variety of Lebanese cuisine spice as I dined out with favorite friends. Touch. Smell. Sight. Hearing. Taste. LIFE!
A beating heart is an epicenter of existence.
I say all this to reflect upon an even greater reality and the thing I am thankful for today- my new heart. I'm not talking about the Tin Man and the Wizard. I'm talking about a living God who gave me new birth through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..." (I Peter 1:3-4a)
Yes, life is a mist, we are not promised tomorrow, but I look forward to each new day, each new year, because it's only a step closer to being with my Lord and Savior for all eternity. And knowing Him- it's not something I have to wait to experience- it's for today!