I turned 32 yesterday. Hippie! Happy birthday to me. Yep! I said my age. I really don’t understand why we, women hide our ages. Is it because we think we actually look older than we really are and so we’re kind of embarrassed about letting people know how old we really are? Or is it that we look younger and we want to be treated as such? I really don’t get it. I don’t think it’s as much of a big deal as we make it out to be. When someone asks me my age, I simply say it. Most of the time, they are surprised as they say I look like I’m in my 20′s. To me, that’s a compliment, but it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m in my 30′s.
Anyway, yesterday I turned 32. whoa! that dreaded 30 has come and gone and we’re still rolling on. I had really been looking forward to my birthday. I knew DH was going to take me out, though I wasn’t sure where. We try to go out on dates as often as we can (though not too often lately because of the baby). Special days like birthdays, anniversaries and valentine’s day are a must, though. So I really was looking forward to my evening alone with DH and wondering what my birthday present was going to be.
Well, God had an entirely different present for me. Just the day before, my elder brother who also lives here in the States had an almost fatal accident. A car, (a Land Rover actually) hit his car from behind out of nowhere, and the two cars spun around for minutes before stopping. The driver of the jeep died on the spot. I mean, on the spot. And guess what? 
My brother lived, without a spot on him! I’m still marvelling at the wonder and mercy of God. What other word is there to describe this, if not ‘miracle‘? I’ve been singing praises and my heart is full of thanksgiving to God for sparing his life.
I grieve for the family of the other driver. He was just a 26 year old boy. He probably left a mother, father, wife/girlfriend and maybe kids. This just goes to show us that our lives are like lightning. It can flash and be gone in a minute. We leave our houses in the mornings expecting to be back at night. We embark on journeys without thought, expecting to reach our destinations. There are so many things we do and take for granted without thinking ‘what if…..?’ This life is not ours to give and take. We do not have control over what will happen the next minute.
This is a wake-up call for me. I have decided that I will try and live a better life. I’ll try and be a better person, a better wife, mother, sister and daughter. I’ll do my best to love the people around me and appreciate them. I’ll be thankful for the little gifts and little things of life. And most of all, I will work harder on my relationship with God and my heavenly race. There is no time to waste.
DH had actually gotten tickets for us to see Tyler Perry’s Madea in One Big Happy Family stage play, but he had to travel to see my brother and make sure he was okay, since my parents were freaking out. So even though I didn’t get to have my alone time with DH, or see the show, I am more than thankful for the wonderful present of a second chance God has given my brother.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
God is awesome!!! It’s hard to find the exact words to describe Him. He’s merciful and gracious and also God of a second chance. The happenings around us in our world today, from hurricanes,to floods, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes just to mention a few are pointers to the fact that there is so little we are in control of and are daily reminders of how fleeting this life here on earth is. This article touched me and im reminded that every opportunity God gives us to breathe life on earth is an opportunity to live life to the fullest. an opportunity to be a blessing, to love, to share and live in peace with God and man so that when our time on earth is done, we can face our maker without shame. Mixie thanks for sharing. Please keep them coming in. Im blessed and challenged yet again
Thank God for the miracle. That was indeed a great birth day gift
Merem praise God oo, for another life and chance. Many happy retuns of your birthday dear. may God grant u grace to live up to the new focus u set for u self about being better.
Tots
Amblessed Funke Omoyeni
Chei. To God be the glory. Indeed, we do take our going in and our going out for granted. When that 26 year old boy drove out that day, he, too, expected to come back, but that was the end of his life. I thank God for your brother’s life. It’s only by His grace that we live. Thanks for visiting my blog.
…. And happy birthday!
@ Nnenna: Yep! God is awesome. We can’t even begin to imagine how wonderful He is. I stand in awe of Him.
@Zukie: My dear, I’ll take this birthday gift any day.
@Funkus: Thanks for the birthday prayer. I’m getting old. boo-hoo.
@ Vera: My dear, these days I don’t take anything for granted again o! Thanks for the birthday wishes, and a happy belated birthday to you too.
Hey Sis,
Belated Birthday wishes and Thanks to God for another year of miracles and blessings.
Thank God for Big bros’ life ooo. I have goose bumps just thinking about it. Our God is merciful!
thanks, dear. I know, thinking about it gives me the bumps too. We thank God.