Dearest Frank,

Just musing over this day and what it means to me. It’s interesting what one thinks about when a birthday arrives. I remember thinking many times on my past birthdays, that it was fun to be getting older. I enjoyed the idea that, of course, with age would come wisdom — at least some amount.  I mean, some of the great gifts ultimately gleaned from life’s experiences are the lessons learned from them as we go, don’t you think?  It’s a nice, natural progression.  

Interestingly, now at 67 today, I see that none of that has changed and I’m still excited to be getting older. How can that be?  Seems like the excitement comes from enjoying that wisdom thing — the idea that God has given me one more year of rich navigating through life, with all its ups and downs, with past experience in my back pocket to help me as I go. Yes, all the while still learning:  No matter what, the end result is a gain.  

I think about the turns my life have taken and will take and I imagine it to be somewhat like an ocean voyage – each day, coming upon an archipelago (that interesting and elegant word which means: a chain or group of islands) that allows the opportunity to explore not one, but several of life’s options in a sea of choices. During that journey, perhaps there are maps that help out. Sometimes, there are no landmarks in sight and just the stars, our family and friends … those stars that help to keep us oriented.

Next day, the sun comes up and we can start all over. That’s a lovely thing — the opportunity to start afresh as we chart our course each day – and at the end, the moon is set into the sky, sweetly illuminating for us the close of day – shedding a light on things and providing a summary of sorts.

On this voyage, there is the respite of beaches where I sometimes land, with people who enter and exit during my life’s walk. Together, we each leave some sort of distinct imprint in the sand. Looking back, the footprints are deep, and looking forward, the smooth, untouched sand seems waiting, ready for us. I think about the sunlight of understanding and compassion that forms a halo around our heads as we walk and talk. Friendship, acquaintances, strangers…. those times are glorious. 

Down in Belize, there’s that Great Blue Hole where you simply wonder in awe about what’s in there, perhaps hidden from view, but waiting for you. There, in my kayak, near the shoreline, the water is clear as I gaze at the bright orange starfish directly beneath me, just an arm’s reach away. We speak. Alone with a quiet companion, my thoughts become clearer.  There’s no distraction and everything comes into focus.

And there are exciting cape towns of life, places to pause and explore. Places to dock the boat, leap onto shore and venture forth with anticipation. What new thing is just around the corner?

When I look back at that boat, I think about the tumultuous times at sea when I wondered if we’d capsize. I worried that we would, but we never did. We never did!

There have been many, many sweet occasions on that vessel when the waters were as calm as yards and yards of deep blue silk taffeta. Breathe in, breathe out and feel the smoothness of life’s path. Look at the vastness, would you. Cold, crisp water with so much going on within its depths, yet calm, rhythmic, comforting, soothing.

Then, too, I love the oh-so-many times on that boat – more times than one can imagine – when twinkle lights have been strung from stem to stern, the music turned up. The boat dances with the celebration of something great.

I’m liking this voyage very much. There are oceans and oceans left to navigate with brand new ports still to come, familiar old ports to revisit, and footprints to leave in the sand together with friends, family, and those who are yet to be encountered. ❤

As is typical, I love to share a song with you because music speaks to our hearts, don’t you agree?  No matter what your taste in music is, the words are passionate and full of depth.  No matter your spiritual beliefs, I believe there is a comforting knowledge that we are not alone on our voyage.  

Here are some lyrics to a beautiful song sung by Nicole C. Mullen. To listen, the link is here: 




Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?

Who told the ocean you can only come this far?

Who showed the moon where to hide ’til evening?

Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

          —Nicole C Mullen

Love,

Jane

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