Reflection

It is a beautiful fall morning in East Texas, marked by its signature light breeze that keeps the blue flags on the "anvil" dancing and the crispness in the air that makes every breath feel like a gentle kiss from the Father. It would seem that the highly anticipated Fall has arrived in Texas... finally.

It is truly a glorious birthday present from my Father.

Despite frustrations, difficulties, and times of pressure, I choose to make this day different. Not in the self-conscious, pseudo-strength of my own humanity and not even, solely, because it is my birthday. On the contrary, in essence I am choosing this day who I will serve, as Joshua did so long ago. I do not desire to exalt myself or the situations I find myself in, but choose to exalt God, Almighty. Times when we are hard pressed will continue to come- Christ told us this before His return to His Father's right hand. But these times of trial are used to provoke us to a closer relationship with our LORD; they spur us to maturity.

So, perhaps it is due to my birthday I choose this new outlook on life and the situations that surround it. Not that celebrating another successfully completed year of existence bestows "bonus" maturity or wisdom points to anyone. It just seems that its about time I started living my life, not having my life live me.

Thank you, God, for helping my through another year. There is no way that I could ever have made it this far without You and the friends and family you have so richly blessed me with. Help me to make this year different from the rest; one where I grow closer and closer to You and the calling that You have placed on my life.