This year my friends took me out to lunch for my birthday. The afternoon was filled with good conversation and laughter, and in a moment of pause one of my friends asked me to sum up what I had learned over the past year. It is amazing how quickly memories can flash through the mind, and I was surprised at how vivid they still were.

Simple things like the courage and serenity that only God can bring. The importance of stopping right now to say, “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” and “I’m so glad you’re mine.” Moments when a heart is so overwhelmed with gratitude that one couldn’t possibly think of words to say. A time of quiet desperation when a prayer for strength led to the realization that angels are always standing near. Days when hope won out after others believed that the time for miracles had gone. A mother’s true sacrifice ––letting life pass by while she cherished that tiny one. Understanding that the power of discernment allows you to see the good. Knowing that giving everything can lead to exhaustion but also to miracles, and that tears of joy can fall at the same time as tears of pain.

To sum it all up I looked at my friend and replied, “This was a year of more.”

Looking back over all of those memories I suddenly realized, I have never learned more in one short year. I feel like I have never cried more. I’ve never laughed more, loved more, and it’s been a long time since I’ve grieved more. Looking back, I’m not sure if I’ve ever given more. It just had been one of those years.

And in those moments when I was not enough I found myself turning to the Savior. I don’t know how it happened, but every time I was in need He gave me more.

More hope, more faith, and more strength. He sent more miracles. And somehow, through it all, more love.

I don’t know when your birthday is, but if I could send one wish just for you it would be simply this…

I hope you have a year of more.