60. . . 61 . . . .

Isn't it amazing what all can happen between birthdays, and even more so between DECADES?

The above picture shows me with my 60th birthday cake, almost exactly one year ago. The night before, all the Pearsons (except Laura's husband David and daughter Megan) had gathered at Mid-America Seminary in Memphis to watch as Matt received his Ph.D. Then, for my birthday Steve treated all of us to lunch at Rendezvous for delicious ribs and barbecue.
Matt's sisters were proud of their brother and didn't even mind telling him so.
And, just look at this gorgeous line up of grandchildren present for the event. That's Rosie in the carrier. She is now 15 months old and has a baby brother due in a couple of weeks. As I think about all that has happened since these pictures were made, I couldn't help but think about other decades in my life and what I was doing during each of those stages.

From age 10. . . . to age 11 . . . . My family and I moved from Athens, AL to Troy, AL, from everything familiar to everything unfamiliar. From an insulated family of five to a Goldfish Bowl with 200 on-lookers.

From 20. . . to 21 . . . . I married the man God chose specifically for me and transferred from Samford (Christian, small, familiar) to Auburn (secular, big, imposing). From carefree singlehood to marriage.

From 30 . . . to 31 . . . . Our three children were ages 7, 3 and 2, I was teaching piano to a HOST of students and had a major responsibility every time I walked in the doors of FBC Hartselle (or so it seemed to me at the time).

From 40 . . . to 41 . . . . I was teaching public school music, our firstborn was in her last years of high school, Steve's business was finally solid and successful, and still I had many responsibilities (now thought of more as opportunities) at church. Our first international mission trip was yet to happen.

From 50 . . . to 51 . . . . Our nest was empty and Grandchild #1 arrived -- our amazing Allie Grace. I was teaching at Danville-Neel, among great friends, and was the organist at Central Baptist in Decatur. By this time, we had gone to Brazil, Guatemala, South Korea, Ecuador, Belize, Kenya and Venezuela on mission trips and loved each country, its people and the ministries we were allowed to facilitate.

Now I've just completed the year between age 60 and 61. The year had its share of major events just as other decade years before it.

1) I retired from teaching.

2) Steve had emergency surgery, and God was present through every minute of the crisis.

3) We moved into our house on the river, back to Limestone County where my life began.

4) We found a new church home (First Baptist Athens) with lots of lovely and loving new friends.

5) All the children and grandchildren gathered for both Thanksgiving AND Christmas. Yay!

6) Allie turned 10, Luke turned 6 (TODAY!), Nathan turned 5, Seth and Maggie both turned 4 (Maggie just yesterday), Megan and Penelope turned 2, and Rosie turned 1.

7) Steve and I celebrated our 40th anniversary.

What a great year!

I'm EXPECTING another wonderful year of watching the children thrive and the grandchildren blossom. I'm looking forward to another year of laughter and love with my dear Steve. And, I'm certain that I will see God's hand at work throughout each day and each challenge.

I can't help but wonder what I will type when I've reached 70. . . to 71. . . . , 80. . . to 81 . . . ., 90. . . 91. . . . and (gulp) 100. . . to 101. I'm pretty sure I can't blog from heaven, nor would I want to with all of that amazing praising going on. Age 61? Here I am, waiting for my assignment(s).

In the meantime, the weather is getting mighty nice outside. Come and join me for a glass of sweet tea or some lemonade.