Thursday, July 30, 2009

32

When I first started blogging, I tried to do a birthday post each year, but last year the day just slipped by. So, today, as I enter my thirty-second year of life, I will take a few moments to ponder this life. Hmmm...


I saw a quote the other day that said "Blessed is the uneventful life." Some people cringe at this. They detest the thought of being boring. Not me--not anymore. I still crave exciting days and events, still have hopes and dreams to travel the world and increase my education and find some roller coaster that gets my adrenaline rushing; but every night as I lay my head on my pillow, I'm overcome with gratitude that "everything is fine." Eventful doesn't necessarily mean thrilling and exquisite. Yes, my days look very similar to one another (especially during summer, when I'm not working at all) but I'll take some dull days over some of the "eventful" trials I've seen around me. Infertility. Bankruptcy. Job loss. Spouse loss. Parent loss. Very ill children. That last one especially brings me to my knees. Can you imagine if you found out your child had a life-threatening illness? If I were going through that, I would absolutely crave this normal, boring life where my healthy children delight me and sometimes drive me crazy. Why should I wait around for something horrible to happen before I relish in my blessings? I'm blessed by a happy, normal, uneventful life. Very blessed indeed. Best birthday gift ever!

11 comments:

Becky said...

Oh Jen, you said it so well. Gave me a little perspective too! Thanks and happy birthday! I love the sweetness of the pic!

Lisa P said...

Happy birthday, and blessings to you for being grateful from the get-go!

butters said...

Well put Jen, thanks for sharing. How very blessed we are and how blessed I am to call you friend. Love you.

Steph said...

Agreed. I love you, you birthday girl!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!!! You are loved by so many! Thanks for brightening our days with your posts. Love you!

Rory

Kristi said...

A friend once told me....

...because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

I love you so much. My life is so much better because you are in it.

Enjoy this year my beautiful friend.

Jo B. said...

Great perspective, Jen! Just one note: You may not be employed right now,but you ARE working. Every day! Shaping the lives of two little individuals. I love watching you love your family (through the smiles and frustrations)and I love you!
Mom

The Brandt Clan said...

Happy Birthday Jen! I hope it was wonderful and exciting and that the kids were extra good for you :) Let's get together soon!

The Looney Kids said...

Happy Birthday! You are absolutely 100% right! Sometimes it's hard to remember that the uneventful life is a blessing all it's own!

Heidi said...

I hope your birthday was absolutely awesome!

Anonymous said...

When my girls were growing up I would often ask them what there favorite things to do were. I would ask often because it would change as they grew up. I learned that there favorite things came from an ordinary day and that it could be done again bacause I asked. One that comes to mind is telling them they could pick a special treat at the grocery store. What a smile and a giggle would come. These days ended up being my favoite memories .Now I get to ask my grandchildren the same question. Great bessings come from one day after another. I feel blessed to have beeen with you on the day this picture was taken!!!Love , Nina