thirty one {gifts? years? opportunities}
Today was a unique day.
I began my post this afternoon with this:
I’m pregnant…but expected to have a babe in my arms by now.
I’m without my husband at home…after an unexpected ‘visit’ and now a tear-jerking goodbye, again.
I was up until 5:00am with pregnancy insomnia…but couldn’t settle my mind into a nap.
It’s my birthday…but looking a bit different than expected.
But between beginning that post and thinking of the next words, life kept happening and called me away from the computer.
Between then and now I….
Shared food at another’s table.
Walked in unseasonable warmth with unseasoned boys.
Washed my floor with mint and tea tree.
Baked a third round of cake.
Received calls and visits of blessing.
Threw a party.
Basked in words and laughter and Presence and women.
Today turned out to be a great day. Honestly and for real. I didn’t go into labour and I spent a good few hours in tears and I’ve been in a weird sleepless haze for most of it, but in all that has beauty and value, it has been GREAT. My life is surrounded by and interwoven with so many gifts, so much Good, such a tapestry of blessing. I am alive and breathing and gifted with another day and hour and year and moment: pieces of time and breath to give and celebrate. I am carrying another thriving life within my own, I am ripe with multiplied blessing, I am brimming with unknown roads and ends and beginnings.
Such an unexpected day in such a prolonged season of unknowns.
Such an unexpected sense of care and contentment.
Such an undeserved gift.
Such an overwhelming reality of Good.
I pray my life may be a gift to you as I write for you, talk with you, give to you, live….
You are a gift. The greatest gift to me today is that I got to celebrate you. Thank you for inviting me into your home and sharing your spirit…that only you can give. I deeply value that. Happy Birthday dear friend. You are a unique treasure. Whenever I talk to you I am refreshed at your humour, how you can laugh at yourself and delight in the world, and the way you notice beauty in unusual places. Your laugh and gestures have always struck me as prominently wonderful attributes that make you very dear to me. I love the animated look you get when you are talking about weight or food choices and the emotional undertones conveyed when you are trying to stifle your emotions themselves. You are just so Dea. Someone to celebrate in all your individuality and community. I love you. I am glad this day had a few special surprises for you that turned out well. You deserve moments that the Divine carves out only for you. Partake in the multitude of gifts and revel in your pregnant strength. You are gloriously made and wonderfully creating:) May you be blessed with a great sleep before that babe comes and when he does may you also be blessed with a beautiful labor.
Happy Birthday dear one. I have been blessed by your friendship these past nine? years. Your perspective on life, womanhood, learning and much more has challenged me and encouraged me. I am glad that you were loved and blessed on your day of birth. Praying for you and your wee man.
Happy Birthday, Dee. You have such a positive perspective in such a trying time in your life!
Maybe I should clarify. If I were you, I’d probably be a wreck, getting ready to give birth without my husband in town… or hardly ever in town. You are a strong woman!
Happy Birthday, dear friend! I hope you had wonderful day. Love you!
p.s. Seriously, you are a gift to me. And you are the bravest and strongest woman I know!
It was a pleasure to be counted among friends that evening. Thank-you for sharing life and love. You are a lovely soul!