Another Birthday!

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-07-001-have-i-done-any-good-in-the-world-today?category=mormon-channel-music-videos&lang=eng

My gift to you. You can download the video here. 

In a few days I'll have another birthday. I'm excited to turn 68. I know most people try and hide their age, especially women. I don't. First of all, I so grateful to have made it this far, and second, I don't think anyone would really believe me if I said I was younger.  Let's face it, no older person really looks very young if you come within twenty feet of them.

Mainly, I'm excited about another birthday, because life keeps getting better.  Yes, I have health problems which restrict the things I can do, but I find that I'm happier now than when I was younger.  Though I admit, that I was prettier back then, I worried about everything. I compared myself to other women and saw them as more attractive and talented.  I went into a deep depression if I gained a pound, or hid in shame if I had a blemish. I listed all that others could do and neglected my own unique abilities. I worried if I was being a good wife, mother and homemaker. I worried constantly over my children's health, safety, and happiness. I made a long list of other women's strengths and expected myself to perform up to those standards, and I always felt that I was not measuring up to society's expectations. In other words, I sucked the joy out of life.


It makes me tired just listing all this! I've learned that few people notice what I'm doing and even fewer care.  Besides, if they don't like how I do things, what difference does it make?  I like how and what I'm doing. That is all that matters.

Life is so much simpler when you realize that things don't matter. I've learned that possessions, acclaim, wealth, degrees, and social acceptance don't make you happy.  I feel freed from a great weight as I've let these things go.  I have even paired down my possessions to just those few things that really add to my life.  It's great!

Now, I spend my time doing those things that I really value. What do I value? Relationships are what is most important to me. Loving and helping others grow gives my life meaning.  You can't be lonely if you are reaching out. Giving fills me with peace and contentment.

You might think that is alright, but I'm still getting a year closer to dying. That's true. I enjoy living here. This is a great world, but I'm looking forward to the next life too. Why should I dread it? Because of our Savior's atonement, I will someday have a body that will never age. I will have the opportunity to live forever with Heavenly Father and my family.  I will be able to keep learning,  growing, and helping others. Personally, I think the next life sounds great, and because I'm enjoying life now more than ever before, I'm happy to have another birthday!