Birthday Blessings and Living a God-Centered Life

Afraid of heights, Lilia Grundy prays while crossing atop the Moab Mountains to complete the Devils Garden Hike.

My Birthday Gift

After my forty-somethings, the impending date of my birthday would send me into a negative mood as I realized I would be turning another year older.

Then one day at work, a colleague mentioned how thankful he was to be able to live another year. His comment struck me, and I’ve followed that line of thinking ever since.

This year, I had the blessing of traveling with my family to Utah to celebrate my birthday. I don’t shy away from birthdays anymore. On the morning of my birthday, I made it a point to attend daily Mass. I had not had the chance to sleep in during our vacation, and even though the Mass time would mean losing more sleep, I knew I had to make the sacrifice.

null

The beautiful bells rang as I walked into the historic cathedral. With my eyes half closed, I pushed to see the amazing stained-glass windows and artwork painted across the ceiling. I was overtaken by gratitude for being able to attend this Mass.

As soon as Mass finished, a young lady approached me and asked if I wanted to join praying the Rosary.

“When?” I asked. “Right now,” she cheerfully replied.

I took the opportunity to join her group. The additional decades and accompanying prayers were such a blessing to recite and I just knew that the Holy Spirit was sending me the greatest birthday gift.

null

Receiving the God-Centered Message

Just before our trip, I mediated on the words, “God-centered life” during an Adoration session. This had me reflecting on how much I’ve grown in my faith to truly live my life with God as my focal point.

If someone had asked me a handful of years ago whether I attended Mass every Sunday, admittedly I would answer no. Incredibly, I’ve changed so much that everything I do is planned around Mass, prayer and time dedicated to receiving the sacraments. It’s a continuous work in progress.

When planning our travels to Salt Lake City and Moab in Utah, my first priority was to identify the nearest parishes. Additionally, my rosary beads came along with me everywhere we went, and I prayed the Rosary on the flights to and from our destination.

Each morning I woke up before sunrise to make my coffee, pray, and read the daily readings. All of this was wonderfully fulfilling knowing that I was praying with and for our Catholic church family across several states from home.

null

The Lord is My Shepherd

I love that my family is also participating in our “God-centered” life. We pray before each meal, including at restaurants, and it’s such a simple way to evangelize at the same time. We talk about Scripture and attend Mass, Confession, and Adoration together.

When we decided to tackle the hike in Devils Garden, I was somewhat hesitant by the trail title alone, but I couldn’t pass up the occasion to view the amazing sights of Arches National Park.

Little did I know that the trail up to see the “Double O Arch” would have us trekking up 5,400 feet of elevation atop treacherous rocks. As someone afraid of heights, I get anxiety just thinking about being high off the ground.

Click to tweet:
I credit that prayer with allowing me to conquer my fears. #CatholicMom

When we came across a narrow path of boulders to climb, I instinctively began praying out loud, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” I shouted.

My daughters heard me as I recited Psalm 23 and smiled. “Mommy, you are praying!” they grinned. Yes, I did—and I credit that prayer with allowing me to conquer my fears and complete our intended hike.

The views were breathtaking. And I thanked God for allowing me another year to spend with my family and to live a God-centered life.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

null