It’s official. Today, I broke my own personal record for most days lived. I have a lot of people to thank for this, including dear old Mom, without whom I would not be here. Literally.

When people ask me how old I am, I think I’ll tell them that I’m 35 plus shipping and handling. That sounds a bit better than 49. And less painful to say.

But I’m grateful. There are a lot of people I’ve known who didn’t make it to 49, including a young boy from my church who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 9. That shouldn’t happen. It’s a stark and painful reminder that we live in a beautiful but broken world, as my pastor has said a few times.

While my birthday celebration isn’t for a week or two, I consider that every day that I wake up with my health is another gift. It’s another one of the small blessings that I try not to take for granted.

If you’re a little past your 20s, don’t be ashamed of it. Be thankful. God still has a reason for keeping you around. No matter what age you are, you still have a purpose and meaning. Make your days count.

As usual, I’m enjoying having a birthday. I think I’ll have another one next year.