It's Also Contagious

It's been a few weeks since the last post.... my apologies. After the Marshall Marathon, life seemed to accelerate, deadlines at work, Christmas musical at church, shopping, and.... oh yes... my birthday.

Happy birthday to me! Thanks for all the wonderful cards, emails and birthday wishes. Speaking of cards, there was one that stood out as perhaps the most thoughtful card I have ever received. It came from a friend at church, and it set me to thinking about how I have lived my life so far.

The card itself was quite simple, basically just a quote from author Max Lucado. It reads as follows: "Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, 'Do you like it? I did it just for you.' In the coming year, may God's wonders in your life leave you speechless. Happy Birthday!"

My friend Sam sent me that card. His personal note on the inside said that when he saw it, the card made him think of me. He said, "It's so you!!" I was both flattered and humbled to realize that the way I have lived has affected (however slightly) someone not under my parental control.

That birthday card made me pause and think of the sights I have been blessed to observe. Countless sunrises on morning runs. Sunsets over Cape Cod Bay, an evening sail in Megansett Harbor, right whales feeding in the North Atlantic, a full moonrise over Nauset Light beach, an early spring Appalachian high country snow, brilliant fall foliage along the Ohio River, just to name a few.

Thank you, Sam, for thinking of me. Evidently the music is not only perpetual, but also contagious. "Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away." (Psalm 66:5 The Message)