Reflections on another Birthday

I celebrated my 74^th Birthday last week.  I got a lot of greetings on Facebook and more than a few humorous cards.  I was blessed to be surrounded by family for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Babe’s Chicken.  I even wowed the crowd with my “chicken dance” as the wait staff sang in my honor.  (Rumor is there is a video of that somewhere).  I came away feeling blessed.  My health is good; I have a loving family and am Awesome God.

My celebration was put into perspective on Sunday evening.  Barb and I were invited to a surprise birthday party for our good friend Dr. Gary Schaper.  Gary’s wife and daughter had planned the event to celebrate his 80^th Birthday.  As we sat around visiting prior to dinner we discovered that two of the other men present were also celebrating their 80^th Birthdays this month as well. 

The encouraging thing for me was that even though Barb and I were the youngest couple present by at least five years, we were surrounded by youth, energy and vitality.  I am beginning to think that eighty is the new sixty-five.  Turning 65 and moving toward retirement can be energizing, but so can turning eighty and beginning a new decade. 

Granted, as I age there are some things that I can no longer do.  Staying awake past 10 PM is one of them.  I have also learned the value of a “power nap.”  But there are also a lot of things that I still can do.  And at seventy-four I can still not only stay active and involved but make plans for the future.  There are still projects that I want to take on and things I want to share through this blog.  There are also a lot of folks around me who do not know Jesus.  I can move forward knowing every day is a blessing and another gift from God.