What better occasion for Throwback Thursday than a birthday. Mine is today. Thirty-six years ago today, my mom went through an eighteen-hour back labor so that I could be born at 12:14pm. Thanks again, mom!
But today's throwback thoughts don't go back to my birth, but rather to last year on one of the ugliest and saddest days I have ever experienced. I remember clearly texting a friend and asking her to remind me that things would get better, while expressing my frustration at the day and that things were going nothing like I had planned. She patiently responded to my rhetorical questions and I continue to be grateful for her friendship.
The following night, I went to dinner with some friends and was given a stuffed animal puppy - the only animal I will likely ever own. I don't hate animals, but I much prefer people and have other priorities that, for me, are higher than taking care of animals. I know that some of you are now either hating me or strategizing on how you can prove to me that your animal is the best and one I would immediately fall in love with.
But my point is this: last year, I had a rough birthday, but was blessed to have friends by my side. These were friends that respected the tough place I was in and allowed me to write ugly and angry text messages. They understood my avoidance of pets and gave me a stuffed animal dog instead - one that I can look at each night and remember that I am loved, I am prayed for, and I am not alone.
May you know those promises as well. Because I truly do love each of you that are reading this blog. I pray for you constantly. And one of my prayers is that you may know that you are not alone.
