What’s in a Number?
The day began with a brief walk. My 80th birthday. There were a few sprinkles, but I thought it would continue to be just a brief sprinkle. As I walked, I heard some claps of thunder, growing ever nearer. Then the rain began, rustling in the trees, making a soft percussion like sound. I smiled as I thought about the symphony of sound would be created if each leaf produced a different tone or pitch as the rain drop engaged it. As I reached the front door, a bit more wet, than when I began, I looked up and and said, OK, you can let it pour now. God answered with a clap of thunder, and the skies opened.
A day of reflection for me, and thinking about numbers and what they mean. I have a new goal in life….a new number. 85. When reading my mother’s journal from July 11, 1992, she records, “I have shopped for groceries and want to take it easy this afternoon. After all, I am 85.
Mother’s older sister, Alma said, “Don’t brag about it. that’s acting old.”
Surprise! That is the way I am feeling today about being 80 — surprised! One young friend told me she was surprised I was 80. She is not alone. I am, too. Another young friend commented, you don’t look a day over 70. Another friend said age is just a number, but always having had trouble with math, the numbers are beginning to go beyond calculation for me.
Another friend sent 45 lessons ‘mature’ people learn. I’m not sure I have learned all my lessons yet. But there is no end to things to learn. The first three resonated with me: 1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
God has brought so many blessings into my life – including my parents, my dear husband and family – in many places. Then a church family, too! How can I be anything else than thankful, giving praise.
When Mom turned 80, I gave her another notebook to write in….about being 80. She only had a few entries. I understand. God gives us to many ways to serve and to be His, that there is no time for writing words. But the treasure I found in her 85th year says it all:
My thanksgiving is endless as I face this new year…..I live to face my 85th year with trust in God, a thinking mind and good health. whatever this year may hold, I pray God gives me grace to walk serenely in faith.
Psalm 92:14-15
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Note: Photo is piano student who brought three velvety pink roses for my birthday!