This week, I celebrated my 50th birthday.
Before I tell you how wonderful it was, I might add the worry and stress that it brought to me. 49 was okay…I’ve heard of people living to 98…but 50? How many people live to be triple digits? My mortality has really hit me hard over the last month as I have digested this. I know where I am going, so I have JOY in that, but it is hard to realize that I am no longer “middle-aged”.
But…about my week: it began most beautifully.
My church family made me feel incredibly special. I always feel loved at church, but this week was extra sweet. My husband had this huge bouquet of flowers placed on the altar in my honor. My best friend brought me a beautiful gluten-free raspberry and lemon cake. My secret sister surprised me with a gift. My birthday was shared on the screen, and the congregation sang to me. When we got home, there was even a thoughtful card in the mail from the women in our church who send cards to remind people they are cared for.
I felt so loved. Deeply loved.
But then Tuesday came — the actual day of my birthday — and I realized something about myself. I am an extrovert, I love people, and I thrive on connection…and yet, by the end of the day, I was completely overwhelmed!
Between phone calls, text messages, Messenger, Facebook, emails, and random notifications popping up all day long while I was trying to work, well over 150 people reached out. It wasn’t all at once — it was spread throughout the day — but by about 7:00 that evening, I was done. Peopled out. Overstimulated. My heart was full, but my mind was exhausted.
I worked a little late, and when I got home, my grandkids had blown up balloons, made signs, and even decorated my chair at the dining room table.
All I wanted was quiet time with Jesus — and that’s not always easy when you live with a very energetic seven-year-old who constantly wants to be by you. The love I felt was beautiful… but also a little smothering. And I was reminded that even good things can overwhelm us if we don’t make space to be still.
Another part of this week brought me a different kind of joy.
Several years ago, I started writing cards to people in my life. It has become a quiet ministry for me. I don’t keep a list. I simply flip through my address book and let the Spirit lead. I pay attention. I listen. I notice what people say — and sometimes what they don’t say. And when someone is placed on my heart, I send a note to let them know they are seen and loved.
Over and over, I’ve heard people tell me, “Your card came on the exact day I needed it.”
This week, I was able to send out a few cards again, and it brought me so much joy. I laughed when I mentioned to my son that I felt bad I hadn’t sent many since Christmas. He looked at me and said, “Mom… it hasn’t even been a month. And how many Christmas cards did you send?”
When I thought about it… probably close to a hundred. 😊
This week also came with sick kids, snow days, and the usual juggling of childcare while I needed to be in the office. I am incredibly thankful for my husband’s flexibility and for one of my kids stepping in to help. It truly takes a village — and I don’t take that for granted.
As I look back on this week, I see so much love. Love given. Love received. Love shared in quiet ways and loud ones. And I also see God gently reminding me that even when life is full of good things, I still need to stop, breathe, and sit with Him.
Being loved is a gift.
Loving others is a calling.
But learning to be still with Jesus… that’s where my soul finds rest.
📖 Scripture for This Week
Mark 6:31 (NIV)
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of love — from family, friends, and community. Thank You for the joy of connection and the blessing of being known. When life feels full and overwhelming, help me remember to be still with You. Quiet my mind, settle my heart, and remind me that Your presence is all I need. Help me love well and rest deeply in You. Amen.
Moments of Devotion 
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