Months ago I read an article (didn’t save it) that really resonated with me.  It challenged the reader to simply “celebrate your own birthday, don’t wait for someone to do it for you”  What a simple yet profound thought! 

This thought never really occurred to me.  As a child I didn’t have to coordinate a Happy Birthday for myself.  Parents, teachers and friends always managed to make the cake, light the candles and declare me a day older with a song.  I completely took those first two decades of celebrations for granted.  I should have handled the next two decades (almost) of turning a year older with more grace, but I can’t say that I did.  Not that I mind creeping up to 40.  Growing older is a privilege denied to many. 

What I inwardly struggled with was my unspoken expectations that the world would continue to pause on December 5th to place a tiara on my head.  Yes, five kids later, I still  felt this way.  I spent many birthdays bothered that a baby didn’t sleep through the night, that my husband was away from home or that I had to cook my own dinner!  How silly!  My age had increased each year but not my maturity in this area. 

I decided to stop my own nonsense and just plan my own birthday- not out of annoyance but responsibility.  My Creator took the time to knit me together and no matter the circumstances of the day, I would thank Him for the breath in my body.  I would orchestrate my own day so that I would be surrounded by my favorite people, foods and places. 

My plan was put to the test just a few weeks ago when my husband announced that he would be away for training the entire first week of December. 

My initial response was brief annoyance, but I decided to choose joy instead, knowing that this was totally out of his control.  I reminded myself that he loved me and would much rather be with me than in a lonely hotel room. 

Plans were made to have dinner with my close friend Jen and to have my brother Matthew and his family over to my home one evening.  Instead of focusing on my birthDAY I would celebrate my birthMONTH and not hold a grudge against anyone for their absence or forgetfulness.  I was at peace.

My husband departed Monday morning and planned to return Sunday evening.  So when he pulled into the driveway late Tuesday night, I was quite surprised.  He was sent home on Presidential orders due the the death of former President George Bush.  The official day of mourning would be December 5th, my birthday, and my husband would be home!

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After breakfast and a generous glass of heavenly chocolate mousse made by Jason, we took the kids to the Delaware Children’s Museum.  I love to watch them have fun together there.  The museum changed how they charge for family memberships (no longer adding to the price for each child), so we now have a annual pass.  I look forward to spending more time there. 

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My brother Wayne owns a tire shop just a mile away so we stopped in to visit him.  One the way home we picked up a late lunch from Casapula’s – my absolute favorite place for turkey subs!  The evening brought more food as we dined at Hershey Farms.  You just can’t go wrong with a chocolate fondue fountain. 

In the morning my husband returned to training a few hours away, planning to come back home in four days…but on Friday morning I woke up to a broken hot water heater.  I wasn’t planning to deep clean the basement in my pajamas that morning, but all the water demanded it.  In the process I found eight movie tickets in an envelope that were forgotten and tucked away.  Finding all of those tickets was such an unexpected gift that never would have happened without the watery mess. 

I met Jeremy at the local Home Depot with our truck for a date night in aisle 9 to pick out our new hot water heater.  As an added bonus I ran into my cousin Butch at the check out and was able to exchange hugs and greetings with him.  The installation went quickly so we could enjoy dinner as a family and watch The Incredibles 2 before he headed back the next morning.

On Saturday evening, for the first time in eleven years, I was able to celebrate my birthday with my brother and his family.  I’ll probably forget the gifts I opened this year, but never the night I got to squeeze my nieces and nephew.  I just love them all so much!

How funny that the first year that I changed my birthday expectations I was able to spend more time with my husband than usual, see both of my brothers and run into my cousin.  These are all very special men in my life!  Father God showed me that despite less than ideal circumstances, I can have a positive attitude and he can totally change the outcome. 

December babies are notorious for feeling ignored and having self pity because they share their birth month with Christmas.  If that is you, I challenge you to get over it.  Surround yourself (yes plan it yourself) with your favorites and enjoy the day.  Don’t wait for someone to do it for you – because if you’re reading this you’re probably not five years old anymore.  Light your own candles and let them burn bright.  Celebrate your talents, accomplishments and the good health that gives you the capacity to do all that you do.  You are worth celebrating!