My birthday has always brought me joy.  Each year is different.  Some birthdays were spent alone, some with family, some with large groups, some with small groups.  I love them all.  I am so grateful for another year upon earth.  I am grateful to my mother and father who gave me this life.  And they gave me so much of a wonderful head start.  They loved me and cared for me and taught me the gospel.  What more could I ever ask for? I am also grateful to my Heavenly Father for His Plan for this life.  I am learning so much while here.  I sometimes forget the plan and get caught up in things, but lately I haven't.  I am grateful for him hearing my prayers.  I am careful of what to ask for.  I only want to ask for that which is right.  When I am in pain or worried it is easy to ask for relief.  I am learning to wait, and ask for gratitude.  When my back was not doing well, I asked for patience.  And then for another way to go about healing.  And now I am doing so well.  I have only gratitude to the Lord.  I now ask for the ability to know who to serve, now that I can do more.  I know he will help me stay healthy if I am useful to him.  And if not, then there is a purpose for me.  I don't mind plans changing.  I don't begrudge mundane tasks.  I enjoy whoever I am allowed to be with.  I really feel blessed at this time.  Things that used to be irritating to me are no longer that.  People who I was afraid of, or didn't understand, are not taking over my thoughts all the time.  I have more focus for those who are kind and thoughtful.  And if I need to be with those who are more difficult, I have more compassion for them now.  They are good deep down.  I just need to look closer, or give them space, or think positive thoughts.  I enjoy quiet.  I enjoy sunlight.  I enjoy watching cute movies with Dave and my dad.  I enjoy puzzles.  I enjoy music.  I enjoy my two grandsons.  I enjoy giving.  I enjoy opportunities to serve.  I enjoy my scriptures.  I enjoy all the wonderful things that have been invented for our day.  We can use them for good.  I think I am becoming more attuned to good.  Even when things should be upsetting to me, they are only mild.  Hopefully I can keep this peaceful gift in my heart all of the month of December.  I would love for it to be permanent.  But I know there is opposition in all things.  Maybe as I age I will get better at evening out.