On Turning 60

When I was a child I used to categorize decades by how the number of the decade sounded. Back then I thought 60 sounded terribly old for some reason, but 70, 80, and 90 didn't sound old to me. Well, I hit the big 60 on St. Patrick's Day and guess what? Sixty isn't old sounding anymore. Despite a few medical issues I deal with (sore knee and back), I feel pretty good, still have a lot of energy (confirmed by the fact that I am writing this at 1:10 a.m.), and still am excited about life in general. So, for those of you who may be approaching this decade, it really isn't so bad.

A couple of other observations. We had the adult session of our Stake Conference tonight. It was really uplifting. The talks were wonderful and there was a lovely musical number by a couple from one of the wards in our stake. The closing song was "Because I Have Been Given Much", which is one of my favorite hymns. I love the words to this hymn and how it touches my soul.

Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee,
With every brother that I see
Who has a need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by Thy good care,
I cannot see another lack and I not share.
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof's safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord
I'll share thy love again, according to thy word.
I shall give love to those in need;
I'll show that love by word and deed;
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

These words from Grace Nowell Crowell are so meaningful and a philosophy for one's life.  We are all so busy that sometimes we forget to take time to see what's really important. The music to this hymn goes so perfectly with the message. It has always been a favorite of mine.

We have seen much tragedy in the world since the beginning of 2010, with earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. How many of us pondered the devastation in these two countries and thought, "how can I help"? How many of us went about our busy lives and continued to read about the suffering these people were going through? How many of us "divided our gifts from thee" and shared them with those who had "a need of help from me"? How many of us showed our "love by word and deed"? It's been weeks since these earthquakes hit, but the devastation and destruction continue. If you haven't already, contact the American Red Cross and see how what you can do to help.

I'm going to try to be more regular at posting on the blog. As I visit other blogs, I am sometimes amazed at how many times people post something. We are counseled to write a journal, and I'm thinking that blogging is another way to keep a journal. Some of my friends have compiled a book at the end of the year with all of their blog posts. Maybe this is a goal I'll try to attain this year. I'm also going to try to do some things which I enjoy but haven't done for a long time (sewing and quilting). There is such a sense of accomplishment when finishing a sewing project, and I find it very relaxing so I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things and become more creative this year. Now, a challenge to you all (well, those who happen to come across my blog) - try something you'd like to do and set a goal to try to accomplish that this year. Maybe we can report on these goals later in the year. The year of being creative - I think I like that challenge. How about you?