Blessed

Another 15 days and I will have to usher in a new year of life. However, this is one birthday I don't really want to visit. I'm turning 30. I know, I know...it's not that bad. That's what I hear from everyone and that's what I'm trying to convince myself of. However, the thought of turning 30 makes me feel old. It doesn't help that Little One has now decided to call me "Mom" instead of "Mama." He's too young to call me Mom! It would be different if I were turning 30 and I were still single and/or had not achieved any of my personal life goals. But that is not the case. So therefore I should be happy, right??

The song "Blessed" sung by Rachel Lampa was playing on the radio today as I was driving to my next destination. Songs have uncanny ability to relay all our emotions and thoughts into something amazing. This song is good for reflecting on our own lives...

"I am blessed, I am blessed, From when I rise up in the morning Til I lay my head to rest..." I have a husband, a son, a roof over my head, food in my tummy. Many in the world are worse off than me. I've met my personal goals of achieving not just one, but two music degrees, being a church musician, teaching piano, getting married, having children, serving God, getting out of debt (though we still have a long way to go). Why should I complain, God has blessed!

"I feel You near me..." On windy days like today, I just feel like the Lord is wrapping His tender arms around me in an embrace. When the sun shines its rays through the clouds, I feel like God is smiling on us. We're surrounded by God's glory in the green grass, blossoming trees and flowers, the oceans, rivers, clouds in the sky, the creatures all around, I could go on...We are blessed!

"You sooth me when I'm weary..." Even on days like today, when my schedule was non-stop from 10 am to 10 pm and I had to endure it with a sinus headache and not feeling the greatest. He is there beside us holding us, giving us strength.

"Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best, I am blessed..." In the wake of having lost a dearly loved one, I can praise Him that she is now in heaven dancing and singing with the angels in glory. When the bills pile up and no money is in our accounts, I can praise God when somehow it all works out and the bills get paid. When you meet a new friend while just standing in line, or you cross paths with someone you haven't seen in ages, the revelation that God ordained that moment comes to mind. When I'm offered a new opportunity to share my musical talents, I praise God for a chance to use the gifts he blessed me with. How blessed we are!

Therefore, like Rachel, I can proudly proclaim, "You've given me joy, You've given me love, You give me strength when I want to give up. You came from Heaven to rescue my soul, This is the reason I know...I am blessed, I am blessed. From when I rise up in the morning Til I lay my head to rest. I feel You near me, You sooth me when I'm weary. Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best...I am blessed!"

Lyrics taken from this website. See Rachel Lampa for more information.