#54

My mother would be unhappy that I am so free to post my age. Another birthday has come and gone – another year ahead. I feel blessed to celebrate every year.

I think of how I feel now, edging on my mid-50’s and I still feel youthful. I still feel alert, focused, decent energy. I still have many hopes and dreams left in me to fulfill. God still has plenty of growing in store for me. I can feel it.

I think of my parents at this age – especially my dad. This is the year he would suffer a massive heart attack – but because of it, he would reconcile his relationship with my mother. He would recover but his body would never be quite the same – he’s at the beginning of his last decade of life.

I know none of us are promised any number of days. But I can’t help feeling a little sorrow for the years he didn’t get. The years I hope to have ahead of me.

My birthday was great this year — I spent some time in Texas with a treasured friend, Brooke. It was dang cold down there – teens and 20’s in the mornings with a high barely scraping into the 30’s. Not terrible, unless there was wind to hasten the chill. It was a nice mix of relaxation and doing fun things.

We had massages – with a great masseur – that woman had the strongest hands I’ve ever experienced — and I like deep tissue — she unwound knots so deep I think they were from birth!

Later that day we headed to a little town called Mineral Wells. A quaint little town with a typical Main Street. We went with the goal of trying out the mineral springs at the local spa.

I have to admit, after the massage I showered and got ready for our ride to the town. I wasn’t all that excited to disrobe again and get in a warm tub of effervescence. Clearly my attitude was not in check. I was focused on the hassle of getting ready yet again.

We arrived and found the spa. It’s called the Crazy Water spa. The story goes, the founder of the mineral springs opened it to the public and a lady suffering from some mental illness got into the springs and was cured. The whole town is built around the theme of “Crazy Water” – the spa, the springs, the hotel. It’s adorable.

Anyway, the spa has separate rooms – pretty much bathrooms with tubs that fill with the spring water (mineral level 3) and then a gentle jet sends out small bubbles to relax the body.

I lowered myself into the very warm water and instantly felt myself relax. I grabbed one of the towels, rolled it into a pillow and took a Power Nap. When then bubbles shut off, you’re done. And I was. The warm water mixed with minerals is a bit to take and 20 minutes was ample time. I felt both relaxed and a second wind all at once. Suddenly getting redressed wasn’t a chore.

I met Brooke out in the lobby and we were on our way.

We heard the local Crazy Water hotel had a few shops on the ground floor and that you can ask to go to the 7th floor ballroom to walk out on the roof and see the town. It was a change in our initial post-bath plans, but I’m always up for an adventure and in the three years Brooke has been coming to the area, she’s never explored the hotel.

It was absolutely charming.

It reminded me of a very small version of the Union train station in Denver. They completely overhauled it several years ago adding restaurants and shops to the main floor and a hotel above.

We roamed the shops – and they were surprisingly high-end shops. Betsy Johnson shoes at the shoe shop and Louie Vuitton purses. Rich for my blood, but fun to browse. The “sweet shop” was an eclectic shop as well. Clothing, hand lotions, books, and a darling shop gal. Brooke and I enjoyed exploring so much that an hour and a half had passed and neither of us noticed.

The rest of the weekend was a mix of shopping and relaxing, devotional and conversations. Deep conversations, light conversations. Nothing off-limits as is the norm for Brooke and I.

The highlight of our evening came with a Google Meet with our dear friend Shawntae.

Shawntae – how do I describe this amazing woman? And how thankful I am that God crossed our paths.

Shawntae is smart. Both academically and emotionally. She is a follower of Christ. And I say that purposefully. I know so many fans of Christ, but Shawntae, she actively seeks her relationship with Him and leans on Him for guidance and next steps – and for the most part appears obedient when He directs her ways. A follower. And a disciple.

She’s warm and witty. She has a great laugh. One that fills the room. Her smile is bright. And she’s thoughtful when she asks, and answers questions. She’s not afraid to ask the hard questions and she leaves space for me to explore the answers when it’s something I haven’t yet considered.

We met through the Bagel Boat bible study I joined shortly after moving here. Where I also met Brooke and a whole group of pretty amazing women. Shawntae lives in Ohio, and Brooke lives in Texas and if not for that bible study, I don’t know how our paths would have ever crossed. God is so good bringing these ladies into my life. We sharpen each other in the important things. And with grace, embrace each other fully, quirks and all (I speak for myself – the one with the quirks).

It was a great time catching up. The whole weekend was great. I felt like my cup was filled.

I flew home Sunday — and had a 3’ish hour delay. More time than I like at the airport for sure — and apparently long enough to pick up the crud.

I had less than 24 hours at home because come Monday, my actual birthday, I was flying out to Denver for a work trip.

I felt fine that morning. A little tired, but I had just come home from a 4-day trip. I arrived at the airport and felt the slightest tickle in my throat.

Fortunately it was a pretty empty flight and I had the row to myself. By the time we landed my nose was running a bit and I was tired. I got my car, went to the hotel and promptly fell asleep by 8pm MT. Anyone who knows me knows that isn’t my norm.

I woke up around midnight sick as a dog. Achy, stuffy, just yuck. I tried to go back to sleep – not happening. At 4:30a I threw on my coat and went to Starbucks for something warm. I came back and showered because it sounded like it would feel good. It did.

At 6a I ran to Walmart and got a Covid test…

No going into the office this visit for me.

I rebooked my flight for Wednesday morning since there were no other direct flights available on Tuesday and I holed up in my hotel room sleeping on and off, eating soup and watching Friends on a continuous loop.

I’m now at the airport awaiting my flight, masked up to save my fellow passengers from the crud. I feel ok. Run down, stuffy still, but better after getting a lot of rest and fluids yesterday.

At least I was bumped to first class for my travels home. More space and a cushy seat. Hopefully I’ll catch a little more sleep on the way.

Overall – it’s been a good start to the New Year. And a decent start to 54.

God has been working on me, changing my view of what’s important in my life. Having me take an inventory of my personal idols. And I’m leaning in with a willingness to release them to Him. Not my strong suit. But He is patient and I’m coming along.

I look forward to seeing what lies ahead in this new year…