Yesterday, I celebrated another year of God’s grace. I found myself engulfed in gratitude the entire day. From the Facebook, Twitter, and text messages adorned in cakes and birthday hat emojis to the many smile-worthy phone calls, there is much to be thankful for. This year was even more special as I got to celebrate in Manhattan, my heart city.
Each year my mom calls me singing “Happy Birthday” in her happiest voice. It’s so simple and so incredibly special. I probably look forward to that more than anything else. We forget how special birthdays are for moms. Whether they conceived us under the most ideal circumstances or not, we bear witness to how God can use any of us to assist Him in His most unique and precious gift, human life.
I don’t take birthdays for granted. Especially my own. I find it to be a time when even the most simplest of things can become cause for celebration. You know, like the email from Sephora inviting you to come grab your FREE Birthday gift or IHOP’s Birthday stack of pancakes. Throw Free, Gift or a candle on anything and I’m a happy [birthday] camper.
Since I had already dropped in Sephora last week due their generous “month of” policy, IHOP earned itself a spot on the top of the BirthDAY list. I believe there really are so few things greater than IHOP breakfast. Why can’t everything in life come with a side of pancakes? Would our days not begin so much sweeter when stacks of goodness lie in wait?
I followed breakfast with a bit of birthday work before shutting down to head into Manhattan for night time surprises.
The beau surprised me with a beautiful dinner at the Upper East Side’s popular Primola . The lamb chops lightly seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs were stand out, but let me tell you about the chocolate mousse. Oh, the chocolate mousse! This was by far one of the best Italian desserts I have ever had. It was perfectly balanced in richness and chocolate-y goodness. I’m still savoring at the thought of it.
Next up was the Broadway Revival of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s The King and I at Lincoln Center. For years I have wanted to see a Manhattan production. I can’t believe that in all my 29 years, I had yet to see a Broadway show.
I had mentioned to my boyfriend how badly I have been wanting to go, especially now that The King and I had made its return. Let’s just say he earned his keep until the next birthday. The show was spectacular and exceeded my virgin expectations. Many praises to leads Kelli O’Haile and Jose Ilana for their stellar performances in the remake of a story that shaped my worldly perspective so long ago.
I’ve always been a fan of Anna’s ability to speak out to a man of power in a society where a woman is supposed to know her place. The musical felt like God’s sweet whisper encouraging the feminist in me to always speak.
My Birthday Prayer
Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy
Without you, there is no me
But with you, I am whole
I thank you for seeing me fit for another year to stand aligned in your purpose for my life
I pray that my new year’s calendar is in sync with you
I pray that this New Year I am able to turn new leaves where there has been no life
I pray that I am healed where I have been wounded
I pray that I am strong where I have had no strength
Use me, Lord, as your light.
I thank you for today and all days
Amen.
The Refined Drifter 