Now, the words are out. The constant phone pop-ups, letters, and requests from all kinds of people and businesses help me enter this next phase of life with peace of mind.
It's good to know that all the beauty products that can satisfy my vanity are available (as if I needed help), but also of extra insurance against life's difficulties that come out of nowhere. opportunity. And items to help my aging body. I wonder who this watchdog is who knows so much about me. They confidently announce that this year (Lord willing) my 65th birthday will be celebrated on March 21st.
That birthday doesn't seem that old now, as it did 40 years ago. But when you go through the coins you get back on a shopping trip, you rarely, if ever, find anything this old.
I was born in the last year of the decade, so I qualify as a 50's model, not a fashion world type. Even though the style of clothing from that era still appeals to me.
Long ago, calendar printers declared the first day of spring to be March 21st. This is a countdown marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It was a difficult day for my parents.
It was said to be a warm and lovely day. My father and mother (typical young farmers of their generation) would have had many chores dealing with dairy cows, pigs, and cows. It might also have been possible to plant oats on that day. But no, Today was that day — was the first of many times I requested a change in their plans.
No doubt, they went to the hospital with great anxiety. Sadly, my parents were experiencing deep grief prior to my pregnancy. My mother gave birth to full-term twins. One child died at birth and the other suffered severe brain damage. It was a period of suffering throughout our lives and even for our brothers and sisters.
Fortunately, my parents and older brother spoiled me from the beginning. Soon more children came. My brother will be 65 next year, and my sister will also be 65 next year. In time, two more brothers and two more sisters were happily welcomed into the family.
I grew up in a home where my parents loved me and cared enough about me to read the Bible and memorize verses. We sat in church as a family every Sunday. Yes, I was spoiled and blessed.
Apparently it didn't take long for this young man to become an old man. They tell me the mirror doesn't lie. But I can't say that it doesn't exaggerate the wrinkles. Changes that were supposed to occur gradually seemed to have steadily accelerated over the past few years.
Each birthday is important, but this one marked the milestone. When this number is achieved, we must realize that the day of reckoning is near and think about eternity. That's probably not what the government intended when it introduced Social Security. But filling out the paperwork is a stark reminder that life won't always stay the way it is.
With that in mind, on this cold winter's day, I made a weak start to my weight loss journey. Oh, not about my physicality (I gave up on that a long time ago), but more about the projects I should be doing.
Over the years, my fabric stash has grown amazingly large. These are all things you'll need someday in the future when you have the time and skill to sew a nice quilt. Well, the time has finally come. Although my skills are still lacking, my motto is: today is the day. The dent in the stash is not noticeable, but the scissors are busy working. I'm glad to see my daughters enjoying sewing.
I also have a bushel box full of yarn in my downstairs sewing room. Our town has had a wonderful yarn store for several years, and somehow that unique and lovely dyed yarn ended up in my hands. My thinking is like this, Today is that day. One knitting project is started and eventually completed one at a time. It's great to see all my girls enjoying knitting and crocheting.
As things stand now, life will continue as it is. I can't retire, because that's the privilege of those who have a successful career. My energy and thoughts were on maintaining the home for the farm, my children, and now my grandchildren. Yes, I have been spoiled and blessed.
My parents gave me the name Renae, which means “reborn.” Perfect for a birthday on the first day of spring. When new life appears around us. And that's a good memory for me. Every morning when the sun rises, Today is the day – Thinking of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all He has done for me.
I owe everything to God, who left His throne of glory to die on the cross to atone for my sins and deliver me from the clutches of the devil. I would like to live my life grateful for this salvation. today is the day I wondered how the God who created the mighty mountains and adorned the sky with stars could look at me with love and forgiveness.
The theme of my life now aligns with the last verse of Psalm 115. Praise the Lord. ”
Hallelujah! today is the day To praise the Lord.
Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent author, author, and speaker. Contact us at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com.
