Tuesday was my birthday and for the first time in my life, I really didn't care if it was acknowledged or not.  It was a great feeling - I usually want to do something to celebrate but not this time.  So, I figured whatever came my way would be a blessing.  It started out well.  My dh had cards from him and the kids and candy waiting for me that morning.  As each child woke up, I opened their card for me.   Carmen and I were on time (for once!) for her swimming lessons.  She had a terrific lesson and there's no doubt she's getting more comfortable in the water and making progress - thank you, Lord.  I had started to wonder if she'd ever move forward.  I didn't drop her socks in the shower and I didn't get soaked by the spray.  Things were going great.  Then we headed for the grocery store for a few things.  We made our purchases and headed out to the van.  Couldn't find my keys (remember, I'm a loser - I lose things.  Currently, my silver watch is missing!)  I looked through the window of the van and, sure enough, they were hanging there in the ignition.  Safeway is right on the river and the wind was brutal that morning.  We hurried back into the store and warmed ourselves at the fireplace in the dining area off the deli (thank you Lord for that new fireplace!)  I called my dh and, praise God, he was just about to leave work so he came right over.  We were so thankful that he was close by and able to help us so soon.  If I had called our auto club for help, it would have taken a lot longer.  I came home to find that Chad, my oldest, had finished his school work and practiced his music lessons already.  That made me proud!  After lunch, Carmen and Alec decided to make me presents.  Carmen drew several pictures and Alec made me a world globe out of paper, certainly a unique gift.  Chad never said anything about a gift.  He always struggles with what to make or buy his parents so I jokingly asked him if he'd thought about anything for my birthday gift.  He said he was working on it.  I took a nap and then we headed to my in-laws for dinner and cake.  But there was a surprise in the works for me - Chad had planned a euphonium recital, just for me!  He is taking lessons from his grandpa and they played several duets.  Chad finished the recital with several solos and the Happy Birthday song.  It was so sweet, I felt so honored!  (A euphonium is a small tuba, btw.)  A nice ending to my birthday.  I was thinking later that night of how sweet my childrens' gifts were to me.  Things that they worked on without my help or without me knowing.  Nothing could mean more to me.  I didn't need anything else!  Oh, I am blessed!

The next day, we headed to Portland to buy a car.  No, not for my birthday but what a nice coincidence!  Our children have outgrown our Toyota Prius (sniff!) so we bought the next size up - a Camry hybrid.  My in-laws are going to buy the Prius so we can visit it anytime we want!  And when they decide to sell it, we can buy it back for Carmen someday!  If you've ever bought a new car, you know how long it takes at the dealer.  Man, I thought we'd be there all day!  But the kids were so good, I was amazed.  We headed out for a nice dinner and then went on to buy sneakers for Chad who outgrows shoes as a hobby.  Unfortunately, I had to show 2 sales people today my new license with THAT REALLY AWFUL PHOTO on it.  I'm serious, I'm going to find a way to destroy that thing and have it retaken.  I hate to sound vain and petty but I honestly don't think I'll ever get over it.  Anyway, I digress ... So, then we began the 2 hour drive home.  Late and on dark highways.  We had walkie-talkies to talk to each other since we had both cars.  About 1 hour from home, I see flashing lights in my rearview mirror.  Oh, No!!!!  I quickly pulled over and started getting my license and stuff out.  I just couldn't believe it.  I haven't gotten a ticket in years and years, and then I got one last year for a really stupid mistake on my part, and now THIS!  And I had to show her my license with THAT REALLY AWFUL PHOTO but at the moment, I didn't care about that!  I made no apologies, I was very polite and honest with the policewoman.  I told her that I was trying to keep up with my dh and I really wasn't paying attention to what speed I was going.  I had Alec with me and when the lady cop went back to her car to check on my registration, Alec was in the backseat, saying, "I love the flashing red and blue lights, Mommy!"  Shut up, Alec!  I wanted to thump him!  She came back to the car and told me to wait until she talked to my husband, who had pulled over further ahead.  I couldn't believe she didn't write me up!  All she did was give me a verbal warning!  But when she pulled up behind my husband, with flashing lights, I thought for sure she'd ticket him.  But, NO!  She didn't!  Oh, Praise God!  I couldn't believe how gracious God was being!

I started to title this post, "Mercy", because that's all I felt after being forgiven for speeding.  I explained to Alec that I really deserved a ticket because I was breaking the law, regardless the reason.  But, God showed me mercy through that policewoman.  Mercy.  I asked the Lord many times for forgiveness and praised Him all the way home (at 55 mph) for His kindness and love.  I haven't felt mercy like that in, I don't know, a long time or maybe ever.  It was such a tangible feeling, knowing that I'd sinned and the Lord showed me compassion.  I should feel that way every day.  He shows us His mercy all the time, for all that we do.  I was actually thankful for the experience, just to be reminded of His mercy and love. 

All in all, an interesting birthday, spread out over two days.  I had thought the greatest gifts I received were from my children, and they were the greatest earthly gifts.  But my birthday ended with an even better gift, one only God can give - Mercy.