birthday thoughts

as of today

I have drawn breath on this earth

for fifty-seven years

for the first forty-three of those years

I did not acknowledged the Lord's presence

I admit to often wondering 

how different the years could have been

if my eyes had been open

what blessings did I forfeit?

yet I am saying no to regret

knowing that all the while

I did not walk with Jesus

He still walked right beside me

I never was, and never will be

out of His sight

He knew me

shaped me

chose me

as His beloved

for that and more

I am ever thankful

I will rejoice

and in the stillness of this moment

listen as He sings a happy birthday song to me

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
    Before you were born I set you apart
Jeremiah 1:5a NLT