Thinking thankfully

When I was 6 years old, my mother died suddenly of meningitis. She was 29 years old, and my sister (who'd been born premature and spent over 2 months in the hospital) had only been home for three days. My dad was faced with the daunting task of raising two girls, which he did with the help of my grandparents and, later, his second wife.

My mom & uncle

As I said, Mom was 29 when she died, and I was 6. I remember thinking she was pretty old... and from the perspective of a 6-year-old, I suppose she was. But as I got older, I realized just how young she was. I developed a strong premonition that I, too, would die at the age of 29. Apparently it's not at all uncommon for a child who has lost a parent to conclude that they will die at the same age.

So the year that I turned 29 started a rather nerve-wracking time for me. I remember feeling a bit anxious much of that year, and I remember having a tremendous sense of relief when I woke up to find that I'd turned 30 without incident.

Since then, I've lived with a greater sense of appreciation for life. But it was only this year that I was struck by just how fortunate I am. This year, I've lived exactly twice as many years as my mother. It's really rather humbling to realize that. 

So, Father God, I thank you for this gift of life. I offer my life to you to do with as you will... and I pray that you will enable me to use the time I have remaining to glorify you.