Birthday Breakthrough.

How many Toy Story movies do we need? I love Buzz Lightyear as much as the next guy, but Andy is in his thirties. Is this one of those Disney cash grabs the Roussins always fall for? 

Yes. Yes it is. 

And the movie was great. Disney, please put that screenwriter in charge of all future movies. Simple story. Simple message. Appropriate and funny for kids and adults alike. 

We took Jude to see the movie for her thirteenth birthday. We officially have two teenagers, but most of the time it feels like we only have one. Thanks Miller . . .

But on to the breakthrough. I wish this story was about Jude. It’s about Megan and I. Normally on birthdays, especially milestones, we’ve grieved the life we expected to have. On those days the feelings were . . . 

Bittersweet

Sad 

Wishful

Envious 

Regretful 

But somehow, by the grace of God, this year was different. Somehow we’d been refined enough to accept and celebrate where we are - instead of desperately wishing to be further along. We were experiencing deep joy without hopelessly chasing circumstantial happiness.  Jude’s thirteenth birthday was exactly what it needed to be. Swimming. Root Beer. Potato Chips. Singing Happy Birthday loud and often. And the feelings were:

Joyful 

Excited

Content 

Peaceful 

I love to chase what’s next, for me and even for my family. What I need to do more often is to accept the life that I’ve been given . . . 

Because it’s pretty great. 

God help me balance pushing forward and being realistic and grateful about where I’m at. Amen.