Today's my birthday as I hit that 1/2 century mark - and here I didn't think I'd make it past 21 (1975).
How does it start out today? I'm walking at a local park and happened upon the retired couple who are volunteer rangers - I mentioned that later in the day I'm returning to the park with my family to take some family photos on my 50th b-day. The two of them immediately broke out in unison singing "Happy Birthday" to me- I thanked them and said that was very special as I have never in my life celebrated my birthday. Of course, they wondered where I was coming from and I explained I was raised in a "cult" that forbid it- JW's, but that I have now left it. To which the woman exclaimed, 'HAVE YOU FOUND THE LORD? & DO YOU KNOW THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?" Geesh.............I thought. Not today please............... She goes running off to her RV and gives me a copy of the NY Times bestseller Christian book, "The Purpose Driven Life - What on Earth am I here For?", by Rick Warren. It's a campaign edition for a 40 DAYS OF PURPOSE crusade happening all around the country I guess. I graciously accepted the book, explaining that previously I'd have thrown it in the trash can immediately - but now, I'm thinking of doing that anyway............anybody else feel like that sometimes?