Joe Mazzella
I turned 60 years old this September. That means I have lived a full sixty years here on this world. It felt wonderful but a bit strange too. In between the cake, ice cream, presents and birthday hugs I pondered that I certainly didn’t feel 60. While my body didn’t have the energy it had in my 20s it certainly didn’t feel old. Inside I felt like that young boy who used to ride his bike down the road with joyous abandon, laughing as the wind blew through his hair. And right alongside the boy was a wise old man who had spent three-quarters of his life learning about how to live and how to love. And the funniest thing of all was realizing that I still had a lot to learn. I was only just beginning. The learning never ends.
Still, I was grateful that God had blessed me with so many wonderful years here on Earth. I had loved much, laughed and smiled enough to put deep wrinkles in my face, and had so many moments of joy. I had also suffered a lot of pain, a lot of tragedy, and a lot of loss. I had watched so many people I loved pass away.
Yet, with each loss I found my heart growing softer instead of harder. I found my soul growing stronger with God’s love and comfort. I found my mind growing wiser as I learned more and more how each day in this world is precious, each day in this world is priceless, each day in this world is a gift from God. And how we live it is our gift to God.
I think one of the greatest things I’ve learned in 60 years of life here on Earth is that each day here is a birthday. Each day we wake up is another chance to live! Each day we wake up is another chance to Love! Each day we wake up is another opportunity to grow, to learn, to be kind, to share joy, to help others and to make this world a better place. May you truly live each day you are given here then. May you make each day a very Happy Birthday.