I’m on my last day of being 82. I never thought I’d be facing another birthday. In fact, I am amazed that I’m still alive. My years have been full of so many memories. Thankfully, I have a selective memory and remember only the positive recollections. So, how does one get to be this age? It certainly doesn’t have to do with diet, or I would have kicked the bucket when I was ten. It isn’t about exercise and clean living either. Those traits have eluded me as well. Especially the exercise. (OK, I confess, I didn’t always do the right thing either.)
I think it may have to do with my genes. My mother and both of my grandmothers lived long lives. They weren’t always the best of lives, but each one of them demonstrated resilience, perseverance and true grit. These three had a tremendous effect on my growing up years. The memories of them are all positive. Attitude is everything. None of these women was born with a silver spoon in their month. They had to work hard all their lives to keep the home fires burning and face the challenges of every day.
I often wonder why God continues to wake me up each morning. It seems my journey should soon be over, but every day I say, “Thank you, Jesus for another day.” None of us can determine the day we’ll leave this planet. Only God knows. What we leave behind cannot be counted as our merit. How did we live? Were we involved totally in the day to day of living? Did we try? Did we work hard? Did we give from our heart? Did we pursue success? Did we honor God in all areas of our life? Does it matter?
The things we leave behind are our legacy. I believe that our true treasure lies in the Word of God and the beautiful love story He has placed in our hearts. As the calendar flips through each day, we can thank God for another day as an opportunity to share that amazing truth with others. God’s Word is our great heritage. It is also a gift from Him and a promise of eternal life with Him in paradise.
When we face God on that final day. He will not see us or our works and good deeds. He will see only His Son, Jesus, and the perfection He covered us with. So, we truly can thank Jesus for another day, another year, a future that will bring eternal life.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy early Birthday. Great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Heather.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy birthday, lovely lady! 🥳🎈❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday eve, my friend! Sending you a big hug. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks IB
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLike
God is not finished with you here!
Keep on keeping on… You are a blessing.
BT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you🙏🏻
LikeLike
Happy Pre-Birthday Wishes, Kathy! 🎉🎈🎂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tom😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday Kathy! I appreciate your chosen reflection from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Here’s another which runs parallel to it: Adopt the pace of nature–her secret is patience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Richard. I love that quote too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Kathy, Have a blessed birthday, Enjoy and praise Him for each day, for our Lord is good. The older, the more we have to be thankful for, and the nearer we are the fulfillment of every promise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen and thank you Frances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday a little late, Kathy! 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. You aren’t late. It’s not until tomorrow. But thank you anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since this was posted yesterday, I should say, Happy birthday!!
My parents died at 90 and 89. My sister is a few months older than you and still has her wits about her. And I have an uncle in Washington state who is approaching 100. But I do not think a grandparent made it to the mid-80s. So, I have no idea what my genes are telling me.
I am blessed by each of your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thanks my dear friend. I feel the same about your posts. You always give us words we need at just the right time. Your silly stories are fun and make me laugh. Thanks for the birthday greetings😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the encouragement.
LikeLiked by 1 person