56, Willie and Me

 

 

Shakespeare56 William Shakespeare and I share many things in common. He wrote plays and I write play on words (see Bad Sheep). Our hair style is oddly similar considering we never met. His nickname is the Bard and I live very close to Bard College (you're getting Goosebumps, I can tell). He wrote the play Hamlet (my favorite) and my last name is CookingHAM...it's like we were separated at birth...which we were...by hundreds of years.

 

 

Oh, one last thing...we share the same birthday...today. Which leads me to my next point.

The number 56 is interesting...56 is...

  • The number of men who signed the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
  • The number of curls in Shirley Temple hair as a child. Curls were set by her mother who thus made sure of the exact number.
  • The number of times the word "Yeah" is used by Michael Stipe from the band R.E.M. in the song "Man on the Moon".
  • The atomic number of barium.
  • The number of days for a plucked eyebrow hair to regenerate. ( I know this because of a makeup malfunction when I acted in my son's movie years ago...you'll have to ask my wife...but my eyebrows are gone)

56 is also the numbers of years that God have blessed me with on this planet. I wish all of them were ones that were wholly spent on Him but I have seen His hand in them all.

It's a big number, 56, and yet I still feel small. Not in a bad mind you, but compared to the huge plan for my life, the purpose, the cost of my Savior's blood...yeah, I feel small.

I am grateful for all 56, even the difficult ones, for they tell a powerful story. They sing a song of redemption, they recite poetry from a warrior's heart, they cry out with shouts of victory and they retell sad stories of pain and sorrow. All of which speak of life...abundant life...life the Master promised (and still offers) to give when we follow Him.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

What about you…what does your story say today?

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Comments

bill (cycleguy) said…
First, happy 56th jay.  When you grow up you can be just like me.  Yeah, I am a few years older.  :)  What is my story?  Hmmm...I need Him to come through in a big way, but also learning to trust.  (I like it better when things are already answered.)
Jay Cookingham said…
I'll always look up to you bro'! Praying for you and I agree with ya about the answered prayer...big time!
S. Etole said…
Birthday wishes for the year ahead. His faithfulness is ever constant ... ever sure.
Jay Cookingham said…
Bless you Susan, I appreciate those wishes!
floyd said…
Happy Birthday Jay!!! You are hilarious... then you are wise and lifting... Thank you for the gift of your words and spirit on your birthday. I'm praying for you and your today.I can't think of a better gift for any of us on the day of celebration God delivered us into the physical world.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Floyd, I think a little off-center so it's cool that you may actually "understand" my humor! Bless ya bro'!
Ed said…
Happy 56! I'm not up there yet, but running close (46). I'm really hoping to accomplish something before then. But God may have other things in mind. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks brother Ed! Everyday you live for the King is accomplishing something my friend.
Sheila said…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAY!  one day late.  You are TOO FUNNY!  You share the date with my childhood friend, Serena.  She likes to write too. AND she is crazy about Willie!!  BEST to you for at least another 56...
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Sheila! Who Doesn't love Willie?
Dan Black said…
Happy birthday!!! I'm still young (28) but daily strive to accoplish things of value. 
Jay Cookingham said…
Hey thanks Dan! Keep following our King and your value will continue to grow. I'm sure the things you have already accomplished have blessed many people.
Joanne Norton said…
You're a blessing and a blessed "brother"... you have joined my heart family in the not distant past.  Hope you had a wonderful day... then, and now should be OK, too, doncha think?
Jay Cookingham said…
Bless ya Joannne! Thankful for you and your encouraging words!

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