Once again, the calendar has rolled around to September 8. Eighty-eight years ago, John and Geneva Ransom were the proud parents of a wee little Ransom by the name of Kathryn Ann. Born in Portland, Oregon, and on the go ever since, I’m delighted to celebrate.
A friend sent a sweet card, and I quote.
“A birthday is the first day of another lovely year—
A year of new tomorrows that are shining bright and clear. . .
A year of possibilities as endless as the sky,
A chance to meet the challenges in everything you try . . .
A birthday is the first day of a year
That’s meant for you to fill with many hopes and dreams
To last a lifetime through.”
Hopefully, a riverboat on the Danube will find me blowing out candles and celebrating another 365 days of joyful life. More importantly, however, are the challenges of the greeting — It is the first day of anticipating a year of opportunities to live life to the fullest, to smile and encourage others, and above all, to celebrate the joys of being a Christian.
Even as a gray haired, plus eighty-lady, the world is open to possibilities, thus avoiding boredom and uselessness. My eyes just need to snap open, and antenna charged, to capture those opportunities for being creative, helping others, worshipping the Lord in spirit and truth, and remaining active.
For some seniors, that may be hopping in a car or on a bike and visiting others, golfing and remaining strong, or working at your computer, sharing words of wisdom or kindness with others. At this moment in life, I am so grateful that my physical body and brain are sufficiently nimble to allow me to keep active.
Other seniors may be confined to a single room, in a chair, with kind attendants helping with daily needs. The challenge changes a bit, but a year of possibilities still remain. Perhaps it is an extra smile or happy birthday hello to those assisting you or passing your room. Others may have a cell phone with which to chat with someone needing a moment of conversation to share a joy or concern. Maybe it is blowing imaginary kisses to friends and family miles away.
Incidentally, your cell phone is a perfect camera for capturing pictures out your window of God’s sun, rain, clouds, or a goose waddling on your yard. Capture a snapshot of the hummingbird on your feeder and forward a copy to a niece or ornithologist. Who knows, but you might have captured the picture of the year or started the twelve-year old on a new adventure of identifying birds. Turn on your imagination switch and let the Lord direct you in new adventures.
Personally, I’m eager for this new year of living on God’s earth. One goal includes getting a second book on the market. Today I settled on the name for book two — “More Ransom Notes: Walk With Joy.” I’m convinced that each of us will stay younger and more alert if we keep active and thinking and doing.
Won’t you join me in celebrating “Tomorrow’s Opportunities.”
Kathryn Ransom 