Every year, we become one year older. Most people I know get presents, some flowers and some get cards to mark another birthday. Many get a cake and blow out candles.
The most important thing is that, another year of life has rolled by and it is cause celebrate. This year, I made a promise to myself that I would take stock of all the things I am thankful to God for and account for at least 38 of them. 38 being the total year of birth and at the very least, I could count 38 things to be grateful for.
On Saturday May 5, 2012 2 days before my birthday, I decided to spend sometime in prayer and meditation. The objective was to reflect on the years past and thank God for all he has done for me. Even unpleasant experiences have helped shape me into the woman I have become. I woke up at about 5:30am and I made a quick list of my prayer points and my future goals. I ran some errands for my business and headed to the gym to meet my friend who was going to train me in swimming. I had recently embarked upon a fitness challenge that will officially end on May 30. I was on a long distance call when a very loud noise erupted. I thought for sure it was the car beside me on the freeway. I accelerated forward and the noise was just as loud. I stepped on the brakes and the noise sounded louder. Suddenly, my car started shaking violently. I couldn’t tell if it was me slowing the car down or the car slowing down on it’s own. But I found myself slowing down and driving towards the right shoulder. Thankfully, I was on the slow lane.
When the car came to a complete halt. I looked out the window and noticed my rear left tire, shredded. I was shocked. I opened the door and peeked out, it was completely destroyed. I quickly closed the door because cars were zipping by rapidly. I had never had a flat tire before. I started to panic. I called my friend/swim trainer and told her what had happened. She urged me to calm down and call AAA (road side assistance). This was one crazy day. I did not leave my house with my license or any form of cash. Somehow, AAA were able to identify me without my membership number and dispatched a truck.
I sat in my car after I had managed to exit and park on a side street. I recounted waking up this morning with my plan to spend a few days in prayer just being thankful. Everything took on new meaning for me. Just being able to avoid what could have been a tragedy was a miracle. I could have been on the fast lane. The tire could have been one of the front tires. I could have been hit by another car. It could have been fatal. Was I really ready to go? What about my boys? How would this have impacted them if this had been a worse situation?
I know some might say, “You are overreacting and this happens everyday” You are right! But I have never experienced this at all. I may not be handy but I do get my car checked regularly and the mechanic would have noticed something. Right? I was asked by a friend of mine a few days before this if I was celebrating my birthday. I told her that in a way I was but I wasn’t having a party or doing anything unique to mark it.
Well, I changed my mind. I am going to get a birthday cake and have 38 candles on it. I will blow out every single one and each candle will represent every year of my life and with each year of my life I will have a reason to thank God. Even those things that I am yet to accomplish. Birthdays have more meanings to me now than they every did. I mean something to my family members, I am precious to my sons, I am appreciated by my friends. I have made an impact in the lives of complete strangers. If I were never born, I would never have had the experience of life. I will not be writing this piece of literature to you now.
I wish you a happy new day. I want you to value every moment of your life and the life of others that you care about and that care about you. If you have a birthday coming up, please make it count. What happened to me may have been a small shake up, but I know it could have been worse and maybe even under a different set of circumstances. But if your heart is beating and you have a pulse, if you are healthy
and able to do things for yourself and others, your purpose in life is not complete yet.
Everyday is your birthday. Happy Birthday and may you have many reasons to be thankful for. I have 38 Reasons.
KK, Happy belated birthday. May our Father grant you your heart’s desires. May He continue to watch and care for you. May the Light of His Countenance continue to shine on you always. You are a child of God – He holds you in a very Special Place in His Heart. You are only just beginning. YOU ARE A GEM!. Love Always, Auntie
An attitude of gratitute…….That sums up how life should be lived.Thank God for his favor on your life girl……….
We are blessed to be a blessing to others!!!!!!!!
queen kay, knowing you has being a blessing to me and my kids, i believe that every person on earth needs one of you in his or her life.
you speak blessings into my life, you belive in me, you push me to doing those things i saw/see hard.
after being abused i lost my self confidence , but never knew my strenght until now. i am so grateful for knowing you.
my girls see you as there idol . am proud of you girl.