ANOTHER YEAR WISER....

So I've completed another trip around the sun for the 54th time. I remember as a kid how exhilarating an approaching birthday was. The anticipation was excruciating wondering what presents I might receive. Birthday parties with family and friends were always so fun. Gradually that wore off and I began to dread another milestone as I passed 30, 40, 50, and so on.

But as I get older, my perspective has changed once more. It's changed because another year of life isn't so bad. You see, as I've gotten older, more and more friends don't see another year. I was reminded once again yesterday how fragile life is. As I prepared for my first Mother's Day without my mom who passed last August, I received a call from a friend informing me our friend had died from an apparent heart attack at age 50. He was in good shape, was a great father, a great friend, and just like that, he's gone.

So as I woke up this morning, I gave thanks to God for letting me see another day. Not because I fear the next chapter, and I know my friend didn't either as he had accepted Jesus as his personal savior in the last few years and was confident in that, but because each day is a gift from God. An opportunity to impact my wife, my kids, grandkids, friends and family. A chance to make good on this gift called life.

I encourage all of us to embrace each day. Make the most of it. Don't take ourselves to seriously. Seize the day. You never know when it's your last.