At first it didn’t look like my birthday held any blessings, but it did! Today, I woke up thanking God for walking me through another year of life, for I live in a wonderful community that’s rich in natural beauty, resources, history, friends, and family.
Counting my birthday blessings.
My birthday was bright and warm with sunshine. The cloudless sky was clear and blue. I had to push myself to get started though, because of all the things that burdened my mind and heart. You see, yesterday wasn’t just my birthday. It was also the anniversary of my father’s ascension (death) and Mother’s Day – the first since my dear Mother’s ascension in December of last year. Like a tombstone, my birthday loomed on the horizon as an awful trifecta of the best and worst realities of my life.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
Despite my discomfort, I moved forward, if slowly, to complete my plans to celebrate my birthday in a way that also celebrated my parents. For weeks, I dreaded planning how to celebrate, but because of my faith I knew I couldn’t go through the entire day with sorrow and dread. The Bible says: “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” so I wanted to sacrifice sorrowful indulgence and obey another Scriptural directive that says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.’”!
(Philippians 4:4)
Blessings, Sweat, & Tears
Prayerfully I got ready to celebrate and greet the outside world with real joy. I got out the ironing board, and (for the first time in years), ironed the teal blue satin skirt of the dress I bought especially for this occasion. The heat from the iron overcame the cool central air. Large drops of sweat fell upon the fabric, but the heat of the iron quickly evaporated them. My mind reached back to memories of washing, mixing starch, and ironing my younger brothers’ shirts and blue jeans.
I showered, then gathered the rest of my outfit: My father’s turban, (decorated with the same jeweled brooch that he used), Mom’s white lace gloves (which we bought in Paris, but for some reason she never wore them) and white scarf decorated with silver metallic flowers that glistened like prism in the sunlight, necklace woven from white quartz, fresh water pearls, and sea shells, and black leather Madder Girl slippers with a bow in the back (Christmas gift from my brother, Grady).
The closer I got to being ready, the better I felt. I was putting on lipstick when the car horn blew. Armed with my purse, cell phone, and iPad Mini, I anxiously exited my quiet, predictable, climate controlled safety zone, locked the door, then greeted my friends & neighbors (Jerry Dorsey, and Mr. & Mrs. Franklin Dorsey) who came to celebrate with me.
Blessings Gentle as a Breeze
Obedience paid off. Our first stop was the National Cemetery. Standing in front of my parents’ tombstone was gently comforting. First, a gentle breeze, then a strong wind started to blow the moment we arrived at the gravesite. I laughed, held my scarf up and enjoyed feeling the breeze make my scarf and dress dance about. It felt comforting, like my parents’ embrace, even in that strange place. We took pictures to send to my siblings, and reminisced until time and the heat made it obvious that we were hungry.
Enjoying the breeze and memories at my parents’ gravesite.
According to plan, we headed off to Gilligan’s Restaurant on Highway 21, where we snagged a window table overlooking a luxurious expanse of salt marsh. We talked, laughed, complained about the service, (& the food), laughed about complaining, generously tipped the waitress (even though she was sullen & rendered awful service), then headed out to see “The Jungle Book,” (Delightful)!
Blessings of Home
By the time I got home, my spirit was thoroughly lifted. I am blessed to have parents who continue to love and inspire me even though they no longer share the same Earth-space as I do. I am blessed to have neighbors willing to share my burdens and my joys. I am blessed to quietly grieve the loss of my parents and make my way on my family’s land and in my father’s house. But most of all, I’m blessed to have a home that’s ready, designed especially for me, by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When the joys and cares of this live are gone, (and they will one day be gone), I’ll have eternal life and eternal joy. Happy Birthday!
Next time sorrows threaten to ruin your special day, remember that blessings come with obedience to the word of God, and “Rejoice in the Lord, always. Again, I say: Rejoice!’
Until next time: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
