Two score

I had planned an elaborate celebration for my fortieth birthday. But something derailed it as if someone was telling me something. You see, I was going to get a new car, go and have a lavish spa day for myself, eat at a very expensive Japanese restaurant and go shopping. But something made me think and made me look at what's really important.
Weeks before my birthday a monster typhoon hit the Philippines and the graphic pictures of its aftermath was an eye opener. Suddenly that expensive Japanese sushi in Manhattan was not so appetizing anymore.
An email was sent by my company to ask employees that there will be a seminar for retirement planning 'but register early because seats are limited.' So I sent a response saying I would be very interested in coming. I got a response that I got a seat. I went and listened to the speaker. Suddenly that expensive car is not so practical anymore.
One year ago last year in Newtown Connecticut, a lone gunman killed 20 children while 6 of their teachers tried to protect them in vain. Suddenly that lavish spa is not so inviting anymore.
It is so easy to look at what you do not have and lose focus at what is important.
I already have the best that I could hope for: my beautiful son and my loving husband. I have the love of my family and friends. Although I am not popular and have gazillion friends, I know the ones who matter most to me and I treasure their love and friendship.
Two score years may be long or short depending on who's counting, but I pray that the Lord would grant me a few more score for selfish reasons: I want to grow old with my husband and hopefully see my son fall in love, get married and become a dad someday.
I don't always have the time to have a quiet conversation with the Lord. In fact church time is often distracted with making sure a certain rambunctious toddler is safe and out of trouble. So I am thinking that this is the Lord's way of nudging me to see that I don't need to spend a gazillion dollars to spend on my birthday just because I am turning forty. Everything I ever really wanted I already have.