Another Birthday?

Somehow, every year, my birthday rolls around.

Traditionally I am a fierce protector of birthday fun,

and though this year involved the start of Penn State's music camp 

[of which I am a part] I still managed to fit in some celebratin'.

First, my parents drove through town 

on their way from reunion to home. 

To my sweet table in my sweet yard 

they added a giant bag of gifts,

while I served us berry crisp, on my grandmother's plates.

I opened my treats, they filled me in on all I'd missed in the last 24 hours, and then they were on their way.

I proceeded to take a birthday nap.

Upon waking, I met up with my dearest ones, 

for Clem's bbq. [Happy birthday to all of us!]

Over laughter and beer, I shared with them my deep heart feelings

on what the last year brought, and what this new one will bring.

In all of it there was such clear sweet good,

and on me it is not lost.

[Thank you friends, for your loving care.]

Then, I had a rehearsal,

at which I received chocolates,

and the first singing of happy birthday for the day.

[Unless, of course, you count that moment early in the morning when I led off the worship band rehearsal by projecting the birthday song I created for myself through all amplification devices available to me...]

When rehearsal was finished, 

I made my way to more friends,

willing to join me despite the lateness of the hour,

to close out the day

with more smiles,

one more rendition of happy birthday,

and a pot of chocolate pudding.

Then I returned to my sweet cottage,

crawled [with sugar-induced headache] into my bed,

read sweet thoughts left for me in card/text/email/facebook,

and listened to messages kind and loving.

I remembered the years when a birthday meant I'd made it;

I remembered the healing and the goodness of the Lord.

I thought of the many birthdays,

the many many friends,

the many life-giving moments of good.

I noticed the Quiet inside of my spirit, 

and that something within me has changed.

And I fell asleep,

and I slept in peace.

After another beautiful birthday, indeed.