Tonight I'm facing another birthday. March 4th is the big day for me and this year will be #53. I realized tonight that tomorrow will be way to busy and I may not even have time to get on the computer. Big day at work tomorrow complete with an evening awards ceremony so it will be a long 12-13 hour day.
As another birthday rolls around I'm reflective. Of course. I'm almost always reflective. This year is my 2nd birthday as an ordained Permanent Deacon, my 3rd birthday since the death of my mother, the 5th birthday since Hurricane Katrina and the 15th birthday since I moved to the Northshore of New Orleans. Time flies.
My birthday is almost always in Lent; every now and again it falls in Mardi Gras. This another Lenten birthday. A few years back my wife Wendy threw a big 50th party which was a blast because both my children were here and so many friends, especially those I have not seen in years. For the most part I keep my birthdays low key.
Birthdays are another great reminder to spend some time evaluating one's relationship with God. As always, I'm so happy that He loves me as I am because I can be a big mess from time to time. Unconditionally, I know my God is near to me and exhorting me on as I struggle to live according to His will. And I know how close He is to me by the friends and people He places in my life. This includes a range of folks, from the dear friends I have made among the clergy, to the new folks I work with, many of whom I did not know well on my last birthday, to men incarcerated in a state prison; men I'm honored to minister to and my friends from my local church community.
And I know God takes care of me despite the hustle and bustle of doing too much and over extending myself all the time. Just this month alone brings a hectic work month, complete with extra training sessions and late nights as well as prison ministry at a new level. Our big spring Kairos retreat, a nearly 4 day marathon of prayer, listening and praise, is upon us and we have other events related to Lent and a new dedication of the sanctuary at my church. This is what I can remember. How can God not be close to me and moving me forward because it all is getting done and I constantly recall; it's not what you do; it's who you are.
And soon, I will be a 53 year old just trying to do his part.
So bring it on Happy Birthday; another day with a busy agenda. And for me a chance to get ready to wish a Happy Birthday to my son James, whose birthday follows mine by about 28 hours.
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