54 Things

With the gift of another birthday, here are truths I have learned along my 54 trips around the sun.

1. God designs us with unique abilities and quirks,
2. Intricacies richer than the results of any personality test.
3. We are stitched together, by God,
4. in secret and with purpose.
5. What I loved as a child, I still love:
6. Spending time with my family,
7. Reading good books,
8. Scratching the head of our Gold Retriever,
9. Crunching a McIntosh apple,
10. Inhaling the scent of autumn,
11. Cheering on the New England Patriots,
12. Long walks outdoors,
13. And writing.
14. What I disliked as a child remains unchanged:
15. Small planes,
16. Clowns,
17. Elaborate events,
18. Cottage cheese,
19. Sullenness,
20. Humidity,
21. Gorillas,
22. And the notion of a cruise.
23. I will never go on a cruise, because
24. I do not wish to be stuck on water with strangers:
25. A situation that seems quite punishing.
26. This being said, I am still pining for a rowboat
27. To paddle the pond with my husband and grandchildren,
28. Counting fish and turtles and clouds.
29. I have also learned that some things we dislike as children are the things that God asks us to embrace.
30. Such as public speaking,
31. Which I dreaded as a child, a high schooler, and an undergrad.
32. In fact, I am most surprised to enjoy teaching women about God and the Bible.
33. This change of heart transpired following much suffering,
34. As God stripped me of crutches, namely the fear of man.
35. Now, I am free to speak from the deep places, with joy.
36. I have learned the pleasure of reading the Bible again and again, in full,
37. Knowing that God is speaking to me through every verse and chapter.
38. What else have I learned?
39. When people show you who they are, believe them.
40. I am learning to speak the truth kindly, without compromise,
41. And to invite correction and embrace critique.
42. I have learned that bad company corrupts, and blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked.
43. I have learned the importance and delight of Wednesday’s prayer meeting,
44. And how to overlook an offense.
45. Here is a big truth I have learned: Grandparenting matters.
46. I am brimming with memories of my grandfather, who died 34 years ago.
47. His choices back then inspire me to love my grandchildren fully, right now.
48. I have learned that bona fide Christians will fight to persevere to the end,
49. Because we are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
50. I have learned that apart from God, I can do absolutely nothing.
51. I delight in knowing from Scripture that God is Sovereign over every smidgen of life,
52. Including salvation and suffering.
53. This is truly the most comforting reality I know.
54. I have learned that 54 years is but a vapor compared to eternity in heaven.

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