I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor- it is the gift of God.
-Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I don't know if it's because of circumstances I've experienced, or if it's just me and my not-quite-normal personality, but I don't dread birthdays.

Well, in a small way I do dread the hype of birthdays.  Making a single day a really big deal leaves me feeling like it just has to be perfect.  Which of course leads to disappointment because no day is perfect.  

I've found that the more average my birth- day is, the more I enjoy it.

But back to my lack of dread.  I don't mind getting older.  I don't look at it as a negative thing.  To be honest, I get really excited about it.  I'm sure I'll hit some point where I don't feel this way anymore, but I kind of hope not.

I've come to view birthdays as an accomplishment. And more importantly, a gift. Every year is one more I've been given with my family, one more I've enjoyed with friends, one more I've had the opportunity to grow in my love for the Lord.

I don't always make the most of the years I'm given.  But I'm trying harder.

Like last year I started my place to be thankful.

It was kind of a challenge for myself.  Could I do it? Could I stick with it every day for a year? Could I get past my attitudes and feelings and look for joy every day?

And now I've done it. By grace alone, I did it.  And I don't want to stop. It's become such a sweet thing for me.  

I'm so thankful for this last year.  Thankful doesn't even feel like enough.  I literally feel like I'm bursting with gratitude.

I know I'll have an annoying day, and that feeling will pass. But right now I'm just going to savor it.  Because it's wonderful.  

It's a great feeling to have at the start of another year. And I have to write about it now, so I will remember it when a bad day comes.

Each year is a gift, and with God's help I will do everything I can to enjoy it.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
 They shall still bear fruit in old age; 
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
 To declare that the Lord is upright; 
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. 
-Psalm 92:13-15