Don't count the candles; just eat the big birthday cake

Happy birthday!

“At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all,” said Ann Landers.

The year in which I graced the world with my presence is a blur to me. I am sure that all I needed was a dry diaper, a full belly, and good sound sleep.

I did some research to see what all happened during the first year of my life and learned that it indeed was an eventful year.

Lyndon B. Johnson was the U.S. President. NBC’s Today Show began to broadcast in color. The soap “Days of our Lives” premiered. Please don’t judge me as my friend, Loree, and I used to watch it during lunch break of our college days.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on CBS for the first time. Sally’s “take-it-easy” approach to life may be worth modeling in my new decade of life. Maybe I will sign up for a week or two at “beanbag camp” this summer.

Remember the classic sitcom “Green Acres?” Those city slickers, Oliver and Lisa, were hilarious and are an inspiration to real life. “Green Acres is the place to be, farm livin’ is the life for me.” I’ll buy the “Hooterville Handbook” and you can borrow it!

Folk rock and country rock, popularized by artists like Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and Crosby, Stills and Nash filled the ears of music lovers.

A new car cost an average of $2,650. Consumers paid 31 cents for a gallon of gasoline and 21 cents for a loaf of bread.

Cool Whip was introduced, Poppin’ Fresh was born, and the “quicker picker upper” made its debut.

Clairol’s Nice’n Easy appeared in the marketplace for the first time and seemed to give women a new sense of confidence. “Agelessness appeals in a culture that will do anything to disguise or deny the fact that we’re all, minute by minute, day by day, getting older.”

The New York Jets signed quarterback Joe Namath. The Green Bay Packers were the NFL champs and the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series.

Baseball legend Satchel Paige, who continued his successful career well into his 60s, said, “We are so obsessed with age that we allow it to define our identities. Break out of the mindset that makes you think of your age first, and your identity second.”

Worrying about turning another year older prevents basking in the excitement of what should be a celebration.

Pay attention the next time you attend a party to honor a child’s life. There is something powerful about the way he/she interacts when celebrating. Perhaps, aging is all about perspective.

Remember in elementary school when the art teacher handed out paper and crayons and told you to draw and color the world? You may have colored the sky blue while others colored it green, purple, black. All the creative pieces of art had similarities, but no two were alike. I am sure primary colors featured the beauty of my world as I am not a fan of pastels. Stripes and polka dots may have added a touch of flare. Due to my lack of creativity, I have to let my imagination soar.

The perspective on getting older is an individual perspective. I get to choose. My husband says, “It’s all between your ears.”

Unless the alternative, aging is an inevitable process. I used to think turning 30 was old and then I turned 40, then 50, and now — you get the picture.

If you want to know how to age successfully, your best bet is to ask someone older who exemplifies grace, dignity, is living well, finding fulfillment.

I admire the beauty, inside and out, that my friend Bonnie Lockhart presents. No matter what time of day that I stop in to say hello, she is adorned with fashionable clothes, her crowning glory in place, lipstick that matches her attire and jewelry that tells a story. Oftentimes I find her reading the Bible, having a cup of coffee, writing a personal note on a card to mail to a hurting, sick, friend.

Recently, while visiting, I commented that I had a birthday coming up. Inquiring minds want to know, so I asked, “Bonnie, what is your secret to growing older gracefully?”

She did not hesitate with her reply.

“Pray about everything. Trust in the Lord with all of your might. Read the Bible every day. Heed the wisdom of God. Believe that God has a purpose for your life. Take care of yourself. Age is just a number.”

The sorrow that Bonnie has endured over the years has not kept her from aging well. Her identity is found in Christ and she does not fear becoming another year older.

I know that what she possesses in her heart is the secret to welcoming in another decade of life. She has an eternal perspective that continues to give her courage.

Thank you, Bonnie, for modeling godly character, imparting priceless wisdom. Sweet blessings to you on your upcoming birthday! Blow out those candles and enjoy the cake!

Birthdays come around once each year and provide an opportunity to pause, reflect on the goodness of God. Growing old is not something to dread but of value, a crown of glory ordained by God.

I hope to never lose my childish sense of wonder. Bring on the candles, cake, ice cream, balloons, friends, family. Please don’t forget presents. It’s party time!

Hey, not everyone has the honor of showing off their wrinkles.

Cheers, to another year older!