As I stepped outside tonight, the cool evening air greeted me, a perfect backdrop for a reflective walk after an evening with family. The day had been a good one—no, a great one. This weekend, celebrating my birthday, has been a vibrant tapestry of joy, love, and gratitude. As I wander through the quiet streets, I find myself looking back, not just on this day, but on the years that have brought me to this moment in my mid-40s.
There’s something humbling yet exhilarating about watching the number of candles on the cake grow higher each year. I used to wince at the thought of aging, but now? Now, I embrace it. Each year is a testament to the life I’ve been given, a chance to savor the things I hold dear. I get to cherish the privilege of simply being here, living this life.
A Heart Full of Thanks
My heart swells with gratitude, first and foremost, to God. His love is a gift I don’t deserve, yet He pours it out generously, guiding me with exquisite care. The Bible reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). That enduring love has been my anchor, my compass, through every season. It’s what makes moments like this—standing under a starlit sky, reflecting on another year—feel sacred. He is so good.
I’m also deeply thankful for my wife and son, the heartbeat of my world. They are my joy, my inspiration. Watching them enjoy their days, hearing their laughter, witnessing their creativity—it’s like catching glimpses of God’s goodness in motion. My son’s boundless imagination, my wife’s unwavering love and focus—they are daily reminders of how richly blessed I am. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” My family is extraordinary, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to share in their lives.
The Circle of Love
Beyond my immediate family, I’m surrounded by a constellation of people who make life brighter. My parents, my in-laws, my brother, and friends who are my God given family—they love me, and I love them just as much.
I’m also grateful for the tangible blessings in my life. A home I’m proud of, a job I genuinely enjoy, and a body that’s growing stronger and healthier with each passing day. These are not small things. They’re the scaffolding that supports my dreams, the foundation for the goals I’m passionately pursuing.
Looking Forward with Purpose
Today, as I celebrate my birthday, I don’t want it to be a fleeting moment of cake and candles. I want it to be a pause, a deep breath, a chance to recalibrate. I want to carry this gratitude forward, to let it fuel my pursuit of the things that matter most: my relationship with God, my connection with my loved ones, and the dreams I’m chasing. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I’m stepping forward, trusting the path God has laid out for me, excited for what lies ahead.
This birthday isn’t just about marking another year—it’s about celebrating the grace that has carried me this far and the hope that propels me into the future. I’m thankful for every moment, every lesson, every laugh, and every tear. Here’s to another year of doing good, loving deeply, and moving forward under the grace of God.
David Willis 