Yesterday was my birthday.

I’m one of those people that unashamedly announce, “It’s my birthday today!” Then I soak up all the happy birthday wishes like a drug, craving the feeling that for one day a year, I am special.

Then I wait for people to ask me how old I am, and if they don’t ask, I tell them anyway. Each year I wear like a crown. This year’s crown bears a proud “63”.

It’s hard to imagine that once as a child I thought I didn’t want to live past the age of 50! For some reason I imagined life after 50 was full of health problems and unfulfilling. I think it may have had something to do with listening to my aunts complain about their health.

Even though I’ve had more than my fair share of health problems, my 50’s were full and my 60’s promise to be even better.

When I considered this post, I examined my feelings as I recounted the birthday love poured out through Facebook wishes, text messages, gifts in the mail, lunches and dinners, and I thought, I love feeling loved!

There was not a trace of depression or anxiety to be found.

This scripture came to mind:

We love, because He first loved us.

1John 4:19

I imagined how easy it was, as I took in the love showered on me, to feel love toward others. My thoughts were no longer introspective. I was filled with love and overflowing.

How great would it be if I remembered each day how the Father lavishes his love on me? (1 John 3:1) I wouldn’t have to wait for my birthday to feel special, because I would feel special everyday. Love would be a rolling river pouring in and flowing out.

It makes me want to express my love and appreciation to those around me, to pray when I say I will pray for someone, and to find ways to show others what they mean to me.

Having to fight against my nature to be inward focused no longer seems insurmountable. Soaking in love changes me from a tightly closed bud into a fully bloomed rose.

Feeling loved makes me brave.

Don’t wait for Valentines’ Day or a birthday to express your love. Every day brings great opportunities. But, you’ve got to receive God’s love, soak it in, and acknowledge it first and foremost. When you feel loved, love will flow.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay