Well, it's been over a month. Quite a few things have happened since I last wrote.
1. I had a root canal.
2. I had a physical (11 years overdue) and my first mammogram.
3. I went on a 2 week vacation in Florida w/Scott and the kids.
4. I turned 40.
The last one really was the "biggie". 40? How did this happen? One thing's for sure - it was fun! I enjoyed 2 surprise parties, 2 family celebrations and tons of great cards and gifts!
The greatest of all was a book that one friend and mentor gave me 40 days before the big day. In it, she had compiled devotional thoughts/pictures/memories/well wishes and prayers from all sorts of different people I've loved over the years. One each day - for 40 days. So many surprises!! Who can beat that? Wow did I feel loved. Do I feel loved.
When I finally got to the end I was emotional (i.e. I cried). I had savored every page each day for 40 days - never looking ahead and I knew I'd be in withdrawal when it was over. But I was floored by the simplicity of the finale. It was a table of contents where the author's names were listed under the title "Happy Birthday from all of us". Whew. Speechless. (if you can imagine that.)
What an incredible collection of past and present "investors". I wondered how there could be so many important people willing to take the time to give me the gift of words. And I'm talking meaningful words. And funny words. And God's Words. Undeserved for sure, but humbly and hugely appreciated. Perhaps it's one of the greatest mysteries I'll try to unravel.
Did I mention that I saw the movie Nancy Drew and loved it? I now realize she is a kindred spirit as I am a fellow sleuth. So don't try to get anything by me....I pick up on clues.
Back to my point, I consider this volume a gift directly (almost) from the hand of God. He knows when His children need encouragement. He creatively brings it to us in a way that will matter and speak loudly of His great love (i.e. blow us away). I certainly heard it. The crazy thing is that in my opinion, these "authors" are the ones that deserve the encouragement for giving so much to this life. For without God and without them - it would be nothing.
If you are reading this and were a contributor, it was the happiest birthday ever. And I love you.
