Another Year Older

"You're still a baby!" I've heard some people say.
Yet, what defines a birthday,
the ability to pay?
Why do we use "birthdays" as markers
to signal that a person has reached another year of life?
Why do we celebrate once a year when, in reality,
the celebrations are happening -
everyday?
Forgiving a friend who has wronged you,
a student who has learned a new math concept,
driving safely on the road,
having dinner with friends
an afternoon with dad -
those are the moments we should be celebrating -
everyday.
those are the memories that mean more than a
"once-a-year" type of thing.
Don't get me wrong,
I'm not indifferent to birthdays -
in fact, I love them!
I always joke with my parents when my birthday approaches that
"it's the most important historical day in history."
And this year, my birthday was (is) great.
Really, birthdays are what we make of it.
Friends, coworkers, enjoying a meal together -
laughing and talking, leaving our differences at the door and
communing over food,
and shared conversations,
and really good company.
And a birthday celebration with my parents.
As I get older, these are the things that matter the most to me.
To me, it's not about "where" you go, or the initials attached to your name, or how many years you've been in a job, but its about
the memories.
The shared experiences.
The "going through the grit" and knowing that others are
right beside you,
"going through their grit," too.

And honestly, just sitting here reflecting over a cup of chamomile tea in my frog mug, its the moments -
whether quiet with my cats
or full of laughter with friends -
or phone calls with my mom -
that take up the majority of space in my heart.
It's those "keeping of memories" that we ought to try, albeit almost extremely hard,
to teach to our children.
As a teacher, our students need to know and be aware of that "likes" and "follows" and "comments" are all that life is.
A middle schooler once shared with me that they are looking to reach 2,000 followers.
Wow.
I'm just looking to get through 1 day.
That student is looking for followers.
Jesus had followers just by being himself.
He didn't count them.
He didn't create a status for them.
He didn't use emoji's to share how He felt.
He just lived.
And, to be honest, yet again, I think we all have experienced the effects of social media, whether positive or negative.
I have.
And granted, it is beneficial when used correctly.
But to measure your worth,
based on what a computer says or a "friend" says online is not the kind of memory that I want to create.
I want to create memories of things that I enjoy,
and then share those memories with "friends."
Memories matter.
Experiences matter.
People matter.
Always remember that there is a face behind the computer screen, phone screen, iPad screen. . .
a face that longs to be loved, understood, cared for, and wanted.

On another note. . .
This is my first post in over a year. With that said, I am going to make some time to write this year, and to post more regularly, my thoughts, my musings, my hopes and dreams.

that's all for now, from your gluten-free gal.
more "confessions" coming soon.
cheers!