New Things a Birthday Brings

[First posted on Facebook on June 8 (2024) which is my actual birthday. :)]

It's hard to think of a much better way to be spending a birthday than in one of my most favourite places with my favourite guy with a fire on built by him. A warming wake up birthday treat.

Too cloudy and gusty for a kayak this morning, so a cozy vibe it is, and that's just fine by me.

Today I turn 67. And for the record, I think that's fabulous! Every year of my life so far has been full of God's grace and goodness, so I can't wait to see what's ahead between now and my next birthday.

For whatever reason, I've been parked in Isaiah 43 for a while now. And today I'm all bundled up on the couch with pillows and a blanket, reflecting on this cool contrast that's laid out about the middle of the chapter (starting at verse 14 or so).

With the rather authoritative intro line to the section, "This is what Yahweh says..." there's a description of God's deliverance at the Red Sea, where water was parted and dry land appeared, making a way forward where there was no way.

But, having just on purpose reminded them of this amazing demonstration of His Power and Presence in days gone by,

at verse 18, He says,

"Forget the former things;

do not dwell in the past."

Based on what comes next, I am inclined to translate this as,

"You ain't seen nuthin' yet!!"

Because God goes on to say He's "doing a new thing" and describes the exact opposite strange and wonderful occurrence as being yet another way to know He's right there with His people.

"I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Where there was once lots of water, dry land.

Where there was desert, water.

Where there was destruction and violence, there is now serene spaces for wild animals - and us, His people - to come and be restored. New life, fresh growth, loud praise.

A new thing.

I want to remember this, my 67th birthday, as a time when, in the midst of big changes, I fully embraced all the new things. A time when I could simultaneously remember all the goodness of God's great faithfulness and rescue and power displayed against unthinkable odds in the past, and look forward to the new spaces He's preparing for me in the future.

Because, honestly? I actually do think that I ain't seen nuthin' yet.

So, if it's okay to say it, Happy Birthday to me.

And happy new things for us all!

November On Purpose

There's always something wonderful about a new start. Even if it's as ordinary as the first day of a brand new month.

Admittedly, November isn't always welcomed with eager anticipation. It's only 'holiday' is the somber remembrance of war. We need the reminder, and those who sacrificed so much need to be honoured, for sure. But if you're needing something of a 'yahoo' long weekend feel, November isn't playing.

The colour is gone, and the weather begins to remind us of a winter that's coming. Depending on your tradition and sensibilities, many don't even want any of us to bring on too much of the 'Christmas spirit' until at least December. (More on this another day.)

All this is even more reason to tear off October's calendar page with an intentional optimism; to welcome November for all its possibility and robust engagement in life abundant; to make decisions right now about how we'll spend these next thirty days living out of our own sense of purpose and mission.

The psalmist prays,

"Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

(Psalm 90:12)

Ah yes.

To reach December 1st just a bit wiser because we spent November carefully and on purpose.

I'm glad for the bright sunshine for my walk this morning.

I know November won't cooperate every day like this.

But here we go together anyways.

Happy, bright, on purpose November, everyone!