22!

I turned 22 today!  It was the first birthday I’ve celebrated without any family or close friends.  Many have asked: “Did anything special?”  I shrug, and say nope.  Today was just like any other day, went to work, went back and slept.  I think it’s a privilege to be able to celebrate it with friends and family, and I would most definitely have loved to, but I think just being content that people were thinking about me, is already enough.  I did receive some phone calls from family, as well as a birthday card from my parents in Taiwan.  Other than that, I can’t say that it was a bad or terrible birthday, but rather a peaceful and contemplative one.  Being here at Culver, has really shifted my perspective in taking things for granted and being content with what is present.

As much as I would have loved to spend my birthday with people that I love and with those who love me, I am content that I spent it with God who loves me.  I’m content that I work in a safe and hospitable work environment that satisfies any immediate need.  I’m content that nothing crazy happened and that I’ve been having pretty successful days, getting things done and so on.

As I was thinking about my birthday yesterday, I stumbled upon a song that I had previously bought and hadn’t listened to before.  I sat and listened to “Hidden” by United Pursuit featuring Will Reagan.  In that simple melody, the calm and soothing drum beats, I found myself worshiping along with the lyrics.  I was drawn to the second verse and the second chorus:

As I grow
And as I change
May I love you more deeply
I will lean upon your grace
I will reap because your goodness is unending

You are my vision
My reason for living
Your kindness leads me to repentance
I can’t explain it
This sweet assurance
But I’ve never known this kind of friend
I can’t explain it
This sweet assurance
But I’ve never known this kind of friend

This truly encapsulated what I was feeling in anticipation for my birthday.  I didn’t need a big celebration with pomp and fanfare, rather the recognition that God is the sweetest friend that I can’t explain.  To my family and friends, who have showered me with well wishes and presents, I can’t thank you enough.  You show me love even when I’m not there.  Here’s to another year where I continue to lean upon His grace.