Someone wished me Happy Birthday last week, and I think I surprised him when I said, “I’m 57.”

“You’re not going to say 21 plus a few years?”

“No way. I’ve prayed too much to live. I’m not denying even one year of my life.”

I decided a long time ago that I would celebrate every year that I’ve been given. The morning of my birthday, I sat in my backyard and reflected on the past year.

It was easy to be grateful for the highlights, but I chose to also be thankful for the challenges that have stretched me and provided an opportunity for growth.

In the midst of my journey through last year, my friend Linda called with birthday greetings.

Our conversation covered what we always talk about: God, our families and our purpose in life. Oh, and how difficult it is to lose weight.

But there was one thing she told me that I have thought about daily since my birthday: don’t let your memories be greater than your dreams.

I took that advice as a serious challenge to look with anticipation to the future and add a few more items to my prayer list.

I don’t think that it was coincidence that my friend Judith later sent me the link to a sermon she thought I’d enjoy.

In it, the pastor referred to Psalm 92:12-15, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’”

Looking ahead to the next year, I plan to thrive by remaining planted in the Word of God, worshipping Him for His goodness and bearing fruit, which will become sweeter with age. That should keep me busy for another year!

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.