I have reached a personal milestone. It is one that for many years seemed so far off, yet somehow managed to creep up. You know the one … many wear black in honor of the receiver, endless banners and decorations were developed for the special occasion, some people savor every planning moment to make the recipient feel more depressed on such day, and even some beneficiaries of this milestone disappear or hide the news from all. What milestone? The big one … 40!

I have to admit I am one of those horrible people that is usually ruthless when my friends and family hit a milestone. I have given dreadful (but funny for the rest of us) parties for the poor souls, spray painted flowers black, and bought the “old people” gifts that no one will ever use (or admit they do), but everyone is compelled to buy. I was always told, “Just wait until you get there … paybacks!”

As this milestone was approaching, I realized I was really looking forward to reaching the entrance of a new decade. As I have gotten older, I look back at how far I have come and am glad for God’s grace, incredible friendships, and a loving family. Sure a few things I hate to admit are transpiring … the other day my hand was compelled to pull back away from me while reading the newspaper, sometimes I find the music kids play a bit too head-bangin’ for me, and I’m thinking we need someone to take a look at our furnace as we have heat surges from time-to-time.

But my paybacks came in a beautiful package. A Celebration of Life. For all the dreadful parties I have thrown (especially for my sister), I deserved a depressing fanfare. Yet, she did not return such a favor. She and everyone else were (mostly) incredibly wonderful, complementary, sweet, and gracious. It was great!! My sister set out a memory album for people to write in with old photos she included or with means to make your own, my mom created a CD of photos from the past 40 years set to Mozart, my cousin wrote me a beautiful poem, and so many others said or wrote such wonderful thoughts and wishes for me. I loved that! It was just an overall celebration of the past 40 years. (Although my car is now sporting a 40-year-old vanity license plate!)

Then I ran across a saying in my daily calendar:

Some things are better forgotten. Your first blind date. That prom dress with poufy sleeves and a big bow in the front … but special times with good friends are worth remembering.

There are always things in our lives we would rather not rehash, periods of time we wish we could erase and do over, or decisions we wish we could take back. It is human nature. The past 40 years have not all been roses for me and I certainly spent many years feeling like a dead plant not certain I would sprout again. But God is in the recycling business and I love that about Him!

It is easy to forget the many things in life worth celebrating. Too often the problems of today are held too closely to our eyes and cloud our view. So feel free — let your hand pull back away from your eyes to see the whole picture in front of you. Whether it is a smile on a little one’s face, a moment to take in beautiful surroundings, or just a day to be thankful for health and life, take time to celebrate the little things.

My recent special time with friends and family is one of those things worth remembering. It may have taken me 40 years, but I think I am changing my tune — no more dreadful parties. Now just celebrations of life! Celebrations of moving forward to embrace what lies ahead!

Celebrate the incredible things in life!