There is a show on television called Rehab Addict. It’s not what you may think from the title. It’s about a woman who takes old, dilapidated houses and rehabilitates them, makes them fresh and beautiful, ready to be lived in again. In her words, she is “addicted to rehab”, the kind of rehab that houses need.
The show is inspiring. She rarely uses anything new. She finds old cabinets and strips them, creating charm and style. She finds an antique door knob that isn’t working, takes it apart and fixes it. Polished up, it’s not only workable but catches the light from its shine. She makes all things new.
And that’s what I think about today as I get ready to face my 54th birthday. I normally love my birthday, even though wherever I live, whether Pakistan, Egypt, Phoenix, or Massachusetts it’s the coldest month of the year. I grew up the princess — one girl in a family of boys and my birthday was a day when even they had to acknowledge my princessshood. I held court that day, something I thought I did every day but only on my birthday was I allowed to flaunt it.
But this year, I’ve dreaded it.
The well-wishes began early from the other side of the world with my dear cousin Judi sending me love from Moscow and my friend Ruth from Shanghai, China. More were pouring in and it wasn’t even ‘the day’ yet.
And I was so glad to get these well wishes. Even as I dreaded my birthday I felt the love of others across the miles.
For the first time in years I don’t like my birthday. I’m 54 and I’m tired. Subconsciously I have realized for awhile that I am heading towards ‘burn out’. I have all the symptoms and then some. My birthday, usually a day I love, feels like a bleak reminder of this state of mind, this stage of my life. Apathy is so thick around my heart that if it were ice, my heart would be frozen.
And then I think of the Rehab Addict who makes all things new. I’m like one of her old houses, needing to be gutted and restored. My soul needs rehabilitation, my frozen heart warmed to a puddle.
The book of Revelation is an unlikely source of comfort for a tired, middle-aged woman on her 54th birthday, but I’ve found that God delights in surprising us in unlikely ways from even less likely sources.
And it’s there that I find my promise as I begin to face today.
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’
He makes all things new. He takes this tired body and soul and rehabilitates it for his purpose, to his glory.This then is my birthday promise. I rest in this truth today.
What about you? Are there places of tired in your life? Where do you need a Rehab Addict to come in and refresh and restore?
“.…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost”. Revelation 21: 4-6
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Today’s Muffins: I look on these muffins from Stacy as my ‘special birthday muffins’. Here is what she says:
“Tomorrow’s muffin was inspired by the wonderful coffee with condensed milk served in various countries around the world, especially Vietnam. So I am also sharing some random photos from our trips there”. Click here for the recipe.
Image credit: pictureguy66 / 123RF Stock Photo