HAPPY BIRTHDAY has become more than just, having a great day, feeling special and loved, getting many nice great gifts. It is celebrating a life that was born. Being a unique person loved by God living on this special day. A day to celebrate life and God's goodness in this life.
I have a tradition on my birthday to ask the Lord for a word for the year ahead. Last year was the big 40 and the Lord left the well known but beautiful piece in my heart about ...the Good Shepherd leading his sheep in green pastures. But also challenging through the valley of the shadow of death.
Looking back on my birthday today a year later, it has been a year of persevering. Trusting Him that He would be there to give me the hope, faith and strength to finish well. Yes, looking back I can't say it was a hard year. Rather in the midst of it all there was a Place of knowing and trusting Him.
Being my Birthday again tomorrow I again wanted to come and sit and ponder about the last year but also wanting to ask Him what is on His heart for me in the year ahead.
Waiting for a Word, a thought.....something I can hold on, pray out as a ray of hope in the midst of "whatever" to come.
The words of a popular song came to my heart. "Fly, fly like an eagle, My love will carry you, high...high above the sun.." The song brings tears to my eyes and a big lump to my throat. I honestly can't see myself flying like an eagle...yet... He has hopes and dreams for me ...to see me spread my wings in freedom flying above my own issues, short comings, distorted view of who I am.
I want to believe. He then again sees the real me, the full picture and He dreams about me gliding out and above over what holds me back to who He has made me to be...
What a beautiful picture to hold onto and ponder through for the year ahead. A picture of hope to cling to in those times when I doubt my potential. When I'm not seeing the full picture but sensing the tug on my heart to want more. The full picture is in His hands.
Even if it is not what I have hoped for, He will work it out for my good. Pushing the fear back..stepping out into the light, knowing with His love under my wings I can fly high and free. Not just holding onto a dream but living my dreams. Not watching the hopes unfold in my mind...but living in it with fullness. Feeling the wind under my wings...the wind of His love allowing me to go higher and dream bigger.
Not to live a dream but live a life!
A life where He is glorified through my obedience to Him.
So tomorrow in faith I will trust Him to step with me into the next year of my life. Hoping to look back in a year's time knowing how it feels to fly high like an eagle when I feel like a Tweetie-bird now.
