Birthdays, just a number, right?

Today is my birthday. My wife planned a really great surprise party for me and I got to hang out with a bunch of my buddies last night. She hired a blackjack dealer and we had blackjack, pool and ping pong tournaments. There were prizes, gag gifts and some very thoughtful gifts too. I always say “don’t make a fuss” but honestly I am so happy she did make a fuss. It was so great to hang out with friends, young and old. One of my best buddies from college came as well as young men I take on mission trips with me. It was really just a wonderful, wonderful celebration and i felt very loved indeed.

Life is short and birthdays are always a good reminder to reset, reevaluate and make sure the next 365 days count. I am very blessed by having such great friends and family. My lovely daughter in law made my favorite cake, Orange Chocolate ganache. My son flew in from Austin to join the fun. I am very hard to surprise, but somehow everyone kept the secret. Messages from friends on text, social media and others have made this truly a special day!

Celebrate yourself and those you love. Live with no regrets. Set new goals to take your life to new adventures and tick off those bucket list items, one by one. What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before your next birthday? Write it down and start the wheels in motion to get it done.

I set a new challenge for myself this morning and in the not too distant future, you just may be reading it, or about it. Your age is indeed just a number, but one you should make count.

Go live your best life!