Life’s frame

We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny, but what we put into it is ours.

This week I reached my 60th year! No one can describe what 60 will feel like any more than they can describe 25. But oh how amazing it is to have reached that day. Ask anyone in my family and friends they will agree – I LOVE to celebrate my birthday. When the pumpkins are carved and candle-lit on neighborhood porches I begin anticipating its arrival. Almost like a pre-party, I feel the excitement as children (both young and young-at-heart) sport their Halloween costumes and collect the sweet delights waiting in doorways and homes.

To my surprise this birthday has been more emotional than I expected. Memories have been sharpened as I have rolled through the years that brought me to now. So many moments – sometimes seconds – could have turned my life in such a different direction. Adapt and adjust – this has been my pattern for living. I have always tried to focus on gratitude whatever the situation. Often this has been easy as I have traveled, studied, worked and played in some amazing places with equally amazing people.

My independence may rely on others yet I claim it as mine always ready to consider new opportunities. In the difficult seasons I have been blessed with the care and attention needed to regain health and strength. And there have been some challenging times – no need to list the details but just to say I have experienced plenty of life changes. Some which may have slowed my pace but never kept me from reaching out for ways to stay connected and creative.

Maybe I am not so surprised to experience emotion on this birthday. There is much to remember, times that shaped my life in unexpected yet grace-filled ways.

As Dag Hammarskjold is quoted, we may not choose destiny’s frame but how that frame is filled must be of our doing. My frame has been challenged to hold an abundance of experiences that make up my life’s story. It has more to hold as hours move ahead into days and years.

I am grateful for this pause to give thanks for all I’ve experienced in my journey to ‘now’.

60- who can ever guess what this day will feel like?! With a rush of gratitude I check to secure the corners of ‘my’ frame and roll ahead into the next decade!

Quote: DAG HAMMARSKJOLD
Image: unknown

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