Friday, January 25, 2008

Rowen's 50th Birthday

Every year on January 21st, people remind me of my progress on the path of life, and this year was no different. My wonderful family members purchased an exercise stepper machine for me, so that I might slow my progress toward my final resting place. My advanced age, my diabetes, my diet for diabetes treatment, and the cold, snowy winter that we've had, have all led to me not being able maintain a youthful physique this winter; hopefully this machine and the 5 lb weight in each hand will partially restore what has been lost.
The only thing that I actually requested for my birthday was a replacement apron, which some of you know I am fond of wearing when they let me help around the kitchen, and when grilling. My mother had made the one I have been wearing, but that was over 30 years ago - and I really do wear it often! It is not as pretty as it once was...So, my talented seamstress wife made me a wonderful new one! As I ceremoniously transferred my aging body out of the old apron, and into the new one, we sang the old Sunday School song, "The best thing in my life I ever did do was take off the old [apron] robe and put on the new!" Now you are invited to come and share a meal with us, so that you can see my new kitchen garb in use!
I am so very grateful to God, my family, and many others who have helped me to live a good and meaningful life these 50 years! I trust that I will continue, by God's grace, to be able to be a husband, a dad, and yes - even a grandpa, that can be a righteous influence in this world, and help people to be ready for the next! Remember, "God is good - all the time"!