A Birthday Pause Between Seasons

My birthday falls in the quiet days between Christmas and the New Year — a space that always seems to invite reflection.

This year, that pause felt even more fitting.

With construction temporarily on hold at the house, I decided to step away for a few days and travel to Dallas to celebrate my birthday with my daughter. As it happens, her birthday falls the very next day on New Year’s Eve, so we decided to turn it into a shared celebration.

I arrived late the night before my birthday.

When I walked in, I was greeted by balloons, banners, flowers, and the cutest sweatshirt she had picked out for me. It was such a thoughtful welcome, and my heart filled instantly. There is something deeply special about being celebrated by the people you love most.

The next morning began slowly and sweetly.

We ventured out for an early morning chai, easing into the day with conversation and laughter. From there, we headed to a local place known for having the best hot stone and deep muscle massages in town — and they absolutely lived up to their reputation.

It felt like the perfect way to relax into the day.

That afternoon, we slipped into a movie together, one of those simple shared experiences that somehow feels richer when time together is rare. And by evening, we found ourselves sitting around the lively tables of Benihana’s, enjoying dinner and celebrating both of our birthdays.

It had been a full day.

Full of laughter.

Full of conversation.

Full of the kind of moments that quietly remind you how precious time with family really is.

The next morning we lingered together a little while longer before our paths separated for the day. Maddie would head off for some girl time with her closest friends, and I would begin the drive home.

But not before making one very important stop.

ColdStone. Because birthdays should always include ice cream.

The drive home gave me another one of those long, reflective stretches of road where your thoughts wander easily and gratitude rises naturally. As mile after mile passed beneath the tires, I found myself reflecting on the year behind me and the one that was just beginning.

So many blessings.

So many moments of God’s faithfulness.

And so many things to look forward to in 2026.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, dusk was settling gently over the property. The land was quiet again. The house still partially opened from demolition, waiting patiently for its next phase.

I stepped inside and made my way back to the small temporary space that has become my little apartment for this season — tucked quietly in the back of what will soon become My Father’s House.

It felt peaceful.

Like the closing of one chapter and the quiet anticipation of another.

The pause in construction had turned into something meaningful after all: a moment to step away, celebrate life, and welcome the year ahead with gratitude.

By 8:30 that evening, I was already asleep.

My heart full.

The year behind me gently closed.

And dreams of 2026 swirling quietly in my mind.

Another small moment in the unfolding journey of My Father’s House.