Friday, October 3, 2008

Birthday Thoughts

Remember when you were 5 years old and about to turn 6, so old that your age could no longer be represented with only one hand? Then, in the blink of an eye, you get so old that you're not really sure how old you're turning on the next birthday.

I remember when my grandmother couldn't remember her age at times. Was she 58, or about to turn 58? At the time, I couldn't imagine how that was possible to forget how old you were. Now, I get it. The years go by so quickly!

We are supposed to feel complimented when people underestimate our ages these days. That's almost the ultimate positive feedback -- that you don't look that old, or like you have that many children!

Well, if you think about it, you probably don't want to go back and re-live those old experiences, that is unless you could do so with the wisdom you've acquired in the process. So what's more valuable, looking youthful, or being wiser?

Finally, while being wiser than you used to be is a good thing, birthdays are also reminders of our immortality. It's a great opportunity to express gratitude for the abundance of blessings that surround us: health, loving family, understanding friends, cooler weather, public libraries, indoor plumbing, coffee makers, salads in bags, swimming pools and Starbucks coffee ice cream with chocolate!