In a few days, I turn 35. On that same day, I leave for Japan for a 2-week missions service project. Though I didn't plan anything for my birthday this year - partly due to the distraction of preparing for my trip, partly due to the not wanting to acknowledge turning another year older - I had three delicious birthday dinners this weekend in what I like to call Birthday Face Stuffing 2011.
In the wake of my 35th year of life as we know it, I'm reminded of a few things...
1 - I love my friends. I walked back very contentedly from my dinner at new LA restaurant Son of a Gun and thought this to myself. I am convinced I know the best people in the world, and I love them with all of my heart. They insisted we celebrate my birthday when I was ready to let it pass me by. They laugh at my jokes, they cry with me, they put up with my outspokenness and penchant for the dramatic. They are the best.
2 - I love my life. I'm so aware that each day is a precious gift to me. I live in beautiful LA, and God has provided me everything I need.
3 - Getting older is not a bad thing. Although I may struggle with this more frequently than I'd like to admit, there is a wisdom and perspective I'm learning to love and embrace with every year that passes. As I write this blog entry, 1986 movie "Stand By Me" is playing on cable. I loved this movie as a kid, but as an adult the story of adolescence, friendship and death even more touching and delightful. I have gone from relating to young Gordy to relating to old writer Gordy.
I'm taking a deep breath. Ready for another year.
