Every year my birthday makes me anxious. It is eight days before Christmas, with bad weather most likely to occur. It’s a busy time of the year with people shopping and attending holiday festivities; therefore, my birthday can easily be forgotten. So each year I mentally prepare for bad weather, reasonable holiday excuses and the dreaded “Birthday/Christmas” combined gift. I permit anxiety to overwhelm me, wondering if family and friends will celebrate with me.  I’m so focused on things I cannot control that I forget to be grateful for the gift of life. And instead of listening to God’s whispers of love, I consent to my emotions and perceptions, which speak louder and cause me to live in panic until the day of. It’s my truth, but is it really?

One year my little sister confronted me with a powerful question; she asked, “What is your truth? Despite your perceptions and emotions, what is the TRUTH?” Initially, I was puzzled by the question because I felt I was living in truth – but was I? Actually, I was living by FACTS. The truth is – facts represent only FRAGMENTS of a whole situation and are subject to interpretation and preconceived notions. However, TRUTH is complete and WHOLE. It brings freedom and life. The truth is – I am loved and blessed beyond measure. My truth is – God graced me through another year of triumphs and challenges. Truth is I’m still HERE – living and breathing with purpose and treasures yet to be discovered. The truth is – I cannot control any of those circumstances, but I can walk in love and freedom. God’s truth is – He loves me unconditionally and I’m rich in spirit, talents and people who cherish me. That’s my truth!

This year as I celebrate with loved ones and well wishers, I beseech you to walk in TRUTH with me. Despite the facts of life, we must choose the TRUTH of God’s Word. Reject the fickle emotions and “choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth.”  The Word tells us to be anxious for nothing – NO THING – but with prayer express our hearts’ desires to God. We find truth when we find God. Finally, whatever is true, honorable, lovely, pure and good – focus and think on those things.  What’s your truth?