did you see your shadow this morning?

Every year since I can remember, that was the standard birthday greeting from Daddy, since I had the priviledge of being born on one of the best holidays ever—Groundhog's Day. But this year my greeting didn't come. And it was really hard. The whole day was hard. I'm getting old. Everybody does. I just wish we didn't have to commemorate the fact. And at the same time, it would be a real bummer if no one wanted to celebrate the day I was born.

So last night we were having dinner at Sandra's and Hanna remarked that she thought she saw lightning. But people were doubtful becuase it just doesn't really storm here. Maybe it was the neighbor turning on a flourescent light or the TV or something. I commented that I really miss storms. It's true—I love the roar of thunder reminding me that God is huge and in control and I love it when He decides to amaze me with a laser show in the sky. Oh well. The upside of no storms is that I don't worry about my umbrella being a lightning rod when I'm out and about.

After a wonderful dinner and strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream, it was time to walk home. About five minutes after walking in my door the storm hit big time—we're talking thunder, lightning and even hail! And it has stormed most of the day today as well. Could it be anything other that God just saying He loves me and reminding me I'm not alone? He knew how much I needed it; how much I was missing Daddy. Maybe He was working with Mama and Daddy—maybe they were having a blast tossing around handfuls of hail, throwing lightning bolts in the air and jumping up and down to rattle Jerusalem and remind me that they were really glad that I was born! Thanks for the party, y'all!

(And even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, I didn't see mine. Maybe my winter is just about over....)