Thirty 8 year old pirates running around and calling out, “Arrr” and, “Shiver me timbers!” Under the flag of the Jolly Roger, the unfortunate walking the plank and swashbuckling sword fights defend or repel on the mock Pirate Ship, built specially for the day and proudly standing in the backyard. My dad had been busy and my birthday party was in full swing.
A few days before and I was busting for the day to come. Eventually sleeplessness and eager trepidation befell this would be pirate the night before. Who could wait? A party like never before and not too many to rival it since.
When I was 4, I couldn’t wait to go to school. At 11, I couldn’t wait to go to High School. At 18, I couldn’t wait to drive. At 19, I couldn’t wait to finish High School and get a job. At 20, I couldn’t wait to get my Pilot’s License. At 21, I couldn’t wait to drink alcohol. At 24, I couldn’t wait to get married. At 25, I couldn’t wait to move from Mt.Isa to Melbourne and change employers. Then at 27, I couldn’t wait for my first-born, Jessica, to arrive… and 2 years later her brother, Matthew….. but at 27 a significant turn of events changed the course of my life forever. This is the year that I became a Christian.
It was at this point in my life that I discovered it wasn’t just the significant milestones of life or birthdays that we could live for – Everyday was precious. Every morning from when I wake to when my head hits the pillow at night, I am grateful for another day of life – no matter what it holds; be it joy, sadness, excitement, adventure, mundane, relaxing, stressful and everything in between. A day the Lord has made and I will rejoice in it.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:10,11
I want as many days, and added years, as I can here on this earth. And when all is said and done, I will arrive in Heaven, hear the words, “Well done! Good and faithful servant”, and get to spend the rest of Eternity with my Lord.
So each year on my Birthday, I celebrate the fact that I have realised another year, maybe one of those ‘added years’. Life is good and I am really, really enjoying the journey.
Today I celebrate for the 51st time.