What are you looking at?

Last week I celebrated my 42nd birthday.  I don't have a problem with my age increasing each year.  It is a number.  My age doesn't define what I can or can't do and it definitely doesn't define who I am.

Last year, on my birthday, I was recovering from back surgery and feeling ill all over from the  medication I took for almost a month to numb the searing pain in my leg. 

This year I was busy, but I was thankful.  I was able to go to work.  I wasn't left on the couch.  I was able to go to my daughter's orchestra concert, which I missed last year.  I went out to dinner with my family, successfully sitting at the table the entire time. 

Whether your day is good or bad is determined primarily by your perspective. 

Last year, while recovering and feeling sick, I was thankful the pain was finally gone.  Prior to back surgery, I had debilitating pain down the entire length of my right leg.  It was as if my leg was on fire and shot needles throughout each of my muscles every time I moved.  So, last year on my birthday, even though I was uncomfortable, I was thankful the pain was finally gone.  I knew I would eventually get stronger and my stomach pain would eventually subside. 

This year I was incredibly busy doing normal daily tasks, but I couldn't have been happier.  I could walk freely without limitations.  I could go to work.

Perspective is essential.  Remembering where we have come from on the most difficult days can help us take another step.  Knowing that most moments in our lives are seasons which will eventually pass can help us endure.

Today might suck, but tomorrow could be amazing.  This year may have been the most difficult, but how many small blessings were hidden in the hardships? This week may have been too busy, but next week may be full of rest.

One year there isn't enough money and you find joy in the simple pleasures.  The next year, you are amazed at how you are able to bless others because the money isn't quite so tight.

The first 10 years we were married were lean.  I made as many things as I could.  I bought the cheapest food.  I kept life simple.  It was difficult on the days I had to decide which bill to pay first in the hopes more money would come in for the other bills.  I was thankful for each tiny blessing.  I looked forward to the day when I didn't have to say no because I couldn't afford it or I didn't have to choose what I would go without. 

We don't experience those lean years anymore, but the lessons and values I learned from that time are something I would never trade.  I've had difficult jobs, but they have taught me values and I was always thankful for better jobs when they came along.

It's all about how we look at our lives, how we view our past and what we hope for in our future. 

What is good and beautiful today?
What are you blessed with today?
What is making you stronger?
What do you hope for?
What are you looking at?