Today is Sue's 56th birthday. Given that we were wondering if she would clock up 55, getting to 56 feels like of lavish gift.

How often do we say the words "many happy returns (of the day)" on the occasion of a birthday? It slips off the tongue easily, habitually, without conscious thought.

Today, on the occasion of Sue's 56th birthday, I certainly pray more thoughtfully and intentionally that she has 'many happy returns'. Returns not only of birth day anniversaries (which is, after all, a reducing statistical likelihood), but of individual days that can be cherished, enjoyed and shared with those she loves and who love her.

December 4, 2015? That is in God's hands, but then again, so is next week, tomorrow, today, yesterday, last week, and the mosaic of 56 elapsed years that mix and merge to form Sue's life.

The journey continues.......