On Turning 56

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Debi Walter
yescapades.com

yescapades.com

Today is my 56th birthday.

Fifty-six years ago my Mom and Dad were busy getting ready to add one more baby to their family of four. They thought they were finished, but God had other plans. I understand why she wasn’t happy when she found out I was on the way (she was 37), but I’m grateful she accepted me as God’s will for our family.

Both of my parents are resting in the Lord now. It’s on days like these when I miss them most. Mom’s been gone over two years, Daddy over 11.  I learned so much from them and wish I could pick up the phone to ask my Dad a quick question or pick Mom up to go get a Gabriel’s tuna sub–one of our all-time favorites. But I can’t. What I can do is reflect back with thanksgiving on the thousands of memories we made together. We didn’t waste our time, and as a result I have no regrets.

Life has a way of throwing unexpected events our way. We have to learn to accept them with grace or wrestle with God, which opens our heart to bitterness and resentment of all sorts. When put that way, of course we want to do the former. But change and our reactions to it can be difficult to handle on our best days. When it happens in an already challenging season we are prone to all kinds of temptations–to bitterness, anger, resentment and depression. The effect this has on a marriage can be devastating if communication doesn’t happen and understanding isn’t reached.

I am grateful for a husband who loves me, listens to me and seeks to understand me, even when he can’t relate to what I’m going through. You see, he still has a close relationship with his parents. They talk on a regular basis, and we get with them as often as our time will allow. We’re still in the process of making those special memories we’ll cling to when it’s no longer possible.

I am even more grateful to God for walking with me through these 56 years. He knew my frame when I was being formed in secret. He held me close then, and He is holding me close now. In this world of ever-changing circumstances–God is the only constant. He never changes. But He continues to change me so I’m not the same woman at 56 that I was at 55. I am growing little by little, and I’ve noticed something important this year. These changes don’t have the sting in my heart they once did. I think I’m finally adjusting to my new normal and it’s good!

 

About Debi Walter

Tom and Debi have been sharing encouragements through their blogs for many years. Marriage, Reading God's Word and documenting family history is our focus. Growing in our relationship with the Lord is primary in all we say, write or do. We are grateful for all who desire to join us in the same endeavors.
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15 Responses to On Turning 56

  1. Jason@SongSix3 says:
    July 17, 2015 at 6:25 am

    Happy HAPPY birthday, Debi!

    Like

  2. email708 says:
    July 17, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Have a TERRIFIC birthday, my friend. I’m so glad that God gave you to your parents, and as a result, to the rest of us! I pray lots of smiles and love goes your way… we’ll talk soon. Love you MUCH!!! 🙂

    Like

  3. Lori Ferguson (@Ready2Encourage) says:
    July 17, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Wishing you a blessed and peace filled year ahead. (Only happy surprises!) Happy Birthday!

    Like

  4. Bonnie Anderson says:
    July 17, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    Happy Birthday! How kind of you to write a post about change. Of course, I know you were thinking about me (ha,ha). Your words encourage me today.

    Like

  5. Dolores Germain says:
    July 17, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    I Thank God every day for Debi. She is a wonderful Daughter and has given me beautiful Grand Children. Thank you Debi!!! I love you very much. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

    Like

  6. Chris says:
    July 18, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    I’m so thankful today for your beautiful heart! I have enjoyed reading your blog over the years and for all the encouragement and great date ideas. I hope the rest of your day includes the making of more sweet memories. Happy, happy birthday!

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    • Debi Walter says:
      July 18, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Why thank you, Chris. How kind of you to encourage me! God and my husband planned the perfect day for me, full of sweet times with friends and family.

      Like

  7. Lori Byerly says:
    July 19, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    Happy Birthday! (a little late, I am just now reading your post) I’m so glad you were born.

    Like

  8. Sharon O says:
    July 20, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    My husband and I both have lost our parents so we are on the same page with that one. Hope your birthday was a great one.

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