Billy Coffey
Billy Coffey

What today means to me

July 5, 2009  

As far as I can tell, it was Jimmy Buffett who first likened one’s birthday to a trip around the sun. I like that. I like it a lot. Because scrape away all the things that don’t matter, and life boils down to just that – a trip. One with a beginning and middle that differs from one person to the next. The end, though, is common to us all.

Today is my thirty-seventh birthday. A person can easily learn a lot in thirty-seven years, and one can certainly learn very little, too. I figure that if I’m going to be spinning around on this beautiful hunk of rock for very long, I’d best be learning something.

It’s been my practice for the last twenty or so years to sit down on the eve of every birthday and write out what I’d learned over the previous twelve months. The reasons for this vary from year to year, but they all come down to this: I need to make sure I’ve learned something. Thinking that I’ve wasted 365 entire days would be a little depressing.
My list of things learned is posted over at Katdish’s blog today, and dare I say so, but it leads me to believe that I’ve had a more than adequate year. Much of the thanks for that goes to you, who bothers to take a few moments out of what I’m sure is a busy day to stop here just to see what’s been on my mind. You have no idea how much I appreciate you.
So come on over and read my list. Add to it if you’d like. Take away some, too. And hey, any birthday wishes would be most welcome…
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Comments

  • katdish

    Happy Birthday, Billy. You don't look a day over 36

  • Anne L.B.

    Billy, I'm privileged to have made your acquaintance. As "unforgettable characters" go, I've no doubt you'll never leave my list.

    May God shower you with His very richest blessings in the year to come. That's some manifesto over at katdish's place. I'll look forward to next year's.

    Would you believe my word verification is "billyb"? [dead serious] So is the second "b" for blessed? Or something else?

  • Joanne Sher

    Happy, happy birthday, Billy. You have blessed me more times than you could possibly know,and I have grown because of your wisdom and wit – and love for my God. Have a wonderful year – and I'm headed to Kat's blog right now!

  • aaronsaufley

    What's up, Billy–and happy birthday! Once again, katdish's tangled web has connected people. I saw your comment on her blog about my book (which she is so cool for promoting) about being fellow Virginians. I had no clue (until looking at your profile) that we were (until 2 months ago) located so close to each other. Which part of the Valley are you from?

  • Jim H

    Happy Birthday, Billy. Thanks to your writing, I'm learning to slow down and appreciate each moment, to look for the deeper meaning, and to appreciate all of God's goodness. Have a wonderful day!

  • ~*Michelle*~

    Hey!

    Happy Birthday Billy! I hope you do something extra special for yourself today.

    Even if it's just kickin your feet up on your front porch and soaking in doing nothing!

    Peace~
    *~Michelle~*

  • Blessed Mom of 8

    Happy Birthday Billy!

    I'm so blessed and feel privileged to peak inside what makes your heart smile and frown.

    Thanks for sharing life with us and being so real that I smile and cry with you!

    Thanks for opening up what God is teaching you through the small things in life that so many sadly miss!

    Thanks for caring enough to be real and let us see where the very words come from – deep inside your heart where God has slowly become the most important of it!

    Blessings today and may this year teach you even greater things and lead you even closer to your Daddy who loves You more than we can ever imagine!

    Hugs – Jill
    Because everyone deserves to get lots of them on their birthday!

  • sherri

    Birthday Blessings Billy!

    And may they continue to spill over to the rest of us… you're a gem!

  • Annie K

    Happy birthday Billy!

  • Helen

    Happy Birthday, Dude. I think the list is a great idea.

  • Jennifer

    Happy Birthday, Billy. Here's to 1972. (I turned 37 a few months back.)

    Now, do your best to stretch out your birthDAY, into birthWEEK, or MONTH if you can get away with it.

  • Karin

    Happy Birthday God bless you!! Happy Birthday to you! And many more! Now to read your list. Your writings are an inspiration to me! Enjoy your day and may you have many exciting adventures with the Lord throughout the coming year!

  • RCUBEs

    Happy Birthday! God bless.

  • jasonS

    Just wanted to say a "happy birthday" here too! I appreciate your insight and attention to God's voice. Keep it up.

  • Seeking Grace on the Narrow Path

    Happy Birthday my friend and God bless you!
    Your sister in Christ,
    Bren

  • The Homefront

    Happy Birthday, Billy! I'm sure your year was full of things learned and memories made.

    Many happy returns!

  • christy rose

    Happy Birthday Billy! I am so glad and privileged to have gotten to know you through blog land. I really honestly can say that you have made a difference in my life from reading many of the things that you have written here on your blog. God is using you in more ways than you know!
    I hope your birthday is the best ever!
    Christy

  • Heart2Heart

    Billy,

    Happy 21st Birthday, with 16 years of experience! Isn't that a better way to view it. Experience is something that we love and wouldn't trade for anything and you gotta love the idea of turning 21 forever!

    Love and Hugs on your special day!

    Kat

  • Jeanne Damoff

    Happiest of happy birthdays to you, Billy! I count you and your words among the special gifts to me this year.

  • Angela

    Happy Birthday, Billy! It's been a pleasure to know you, even a little. :)

  • Crown of Beauty

    Happy Birthday, Billy. One of the contributions you have made in this world is making blogworld a better place, because of your sensitivity, your transparency, and your generosity and willingness to share.

    May God bring a fresh touch of His presence into your life this 37th year of your existence.

    You are a blessing.

    Lidj

  • Melanie

    Happpy birthday Billy,,,hope it was a great day for you!

    Melanie

  • Julie

    Happy Birthday, Billy…. The angels rejoiced the day you were born!

    I've been blessed to find your blog.

  • Caroline

    Happy Birthday and God's Blessings. Thank you for the blessing you have been and continue to be.

  • Beth E.

    Awesome, Billy! Happy, happy birthday!

    You're 37 yrs.??? You make me sick…LOL I would LOVE to be 37 again.

    Hope it's been a great day for you…