Today is my 26th birthday. 26 is an interesting birthday because it seems like a transition where you are just getting older each year, rather than gaining independence and responsibility. Even last year, I could easily rent a car and car insurance rates went down. But I am not aware of any advantage that you gain simply because you are 26 instead of 25. (If I am forgetting something, please let me know!)

But today I have mostly found myself thinking about how blessed I am to have so many people in my life who love me so well. I thank God for giving me the gift of life and for all the blessings of the past year. I hope and pray that I will be faithful to the grace given to me and that I will continue to grow in my love of both God and neighbor in the year to come. There is so much to be thankful for.