The Day I Turned Forty

I awakened quite early, it was five-o-eight
I was glad there was time I could contemplate
I had dreaded this day, the first sign of ‘old’
For I still wasn’t polished, or brave, or bold.
“Surely,” I thought in puzzled reflection
“By now, I would have attained some perfection.”

    Yet it seems I learn one day, then fall on my face
    I trip over myself while running life’s race.
    Lost in thought ‘til I noticed the radio on
    And was reminded through the words of a song
    That the One who began a good work in me
    Would continue and complete it, for faithful is He!

Soon we were driving from our house to Denver
Headed for church with more time to remember
I thought of my life and the things that I do
Marveled at all God has brought me through
The joy that He gives, it makes my heart sing
As I wondered anew what this day would bring.

    As usual church with its rush and commotion
    Had a way of tugging at every emotion
    From conviction in class and a not-happy scene
    To singing great choruses with the Praise Team!
    The message spoke volumes of not compromising
    While the afternoon service proved rather surprising

We praised God in worship, then all stayed for lunch
Where we talked and we laughed and we practiced a bunch.
And when it was over, all went their own way
Yet my girls gave me grief, for they wanted to stay
In town a bit longer after many a time
Of wanting ME to leave early. (They’d fuss and they’d whine.)

    So we wasted time ‘til, with Melissa’s consent
    Off to pick up Amanda we went
    “This shouldn’t take long.” We soon did arrive
    Couldn’t park in the street. I pulled into the drive
    I went over the list of stuff we should do
    Walked up to the door, and caught sight of, “WHO?”

Or should I say “What?” It was quite confusing
All the people dressed up, it was somewhat amusing.
What a party it was – – a surprise from my past
With so many friends, it sure was a blast!
I was overwhelmed, by the love and the care
The cards and the gifts and good wishes folks shared.

    For I grew up where birthdays were not celebrated
    They were barely acknowledged - - now I was elated!
    Then with Dave on the phone I became more reflective
    And shared how God has restored my perspective.
    I’m honored that family and friends chose to call
    Perhaps forty is not quite so bad after all!

Written December 1995
Copyright © 2021 by Terri Art