Enjoying The Glow

As I reflect on turning 60 I keep coming up with the same theme and that is gratefulness! I'm not counting candles, I'm enjoying the glow!

I am most grateful for my relationship with God and I crave our quiet time, whether in creation or hanging out at home. Through a hurtful time God showed me He has great plans for me and continues to push me out of my comfort zone, over and over. Jeremiah 29: 11, "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" God reminded me I am worthy and I am His beloved. I am who HE says I am! We must become “confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1: 6 God calls us worthy to serve Him, to share Him, and to witness to His grace and love and what a privilege this is! I am grateful for that confidence, in Him. Thanks be to God!

I am blessed beyond measure with my family. I have always been close to my parents and Mom has always been my best friend. 2024 has brought some challenges which makes me more grateful for our relationship. Mike and I have grown in our relationship with God which continues to bless our marriage. My girls, and their boyfriends, spend most weekends with us and hanging out with our adult children is such a blessing filled with fun and laughter. Our little boys are a gift from God! I thank God for family and for us making it a priority. Psalm 133: 1, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

I am blessed with friends who are my extended family! Proverbs 18: 24, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." I have friends of all ages and friends that I had since I was five and we still hang out. I have friends from high school, college and friends I have just made. Many of my friends share the love of God, encourage each other and pray for each other and that is a gift! Proverbs 27: 17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Each one is a huge blessing in my life!

So I would say I am 60 and grateful! "Don't count your candles. Just enjoy the glow!"