God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

This entry is a simple, routine, “Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman in the world!” post.

That’s right, just a few months after I gained a year on her, Rebekah has caught me once again and – at least for now – we’re pretty much the same age.

We celebrated by going out for shopping and dinner at Crabtree Mall, where we tried out a new restaurant (for us). I’m giving the Brio Italian Grille two thumbs up for a remarkably good experience.

Our shared appetizer – “for the table,” as they say in Italy – was the Spinach & Artichoke Dip (creamy spinach, roasted garlic, artichoke, and crispy Parmesan flatbread)

We took our time, in good Italian style, and the waiter didn’t rush us into committing to our next menu selection until we had finished enjoying the antipasto.

(I should point out, when traveling in Italy, diner out was always about experiencing the evening together, never rushed. The American practice of bringing out successive plates so quickly is diametrically opposed to the Continental food ethos.)

Rebekah picked out the Chicken Limone (pan-seared chicken in a traditional picatta style sauce with white wine, lemon & capers, served with broccoli & mashed potatoes) and I chose the Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Medallions (three filet medallions, marsala sauce, mushrooms, grilled asparagus and truffle sauce). Great choices all around.

Rebekah – who typically stays well away from desserts – selected the Tiramisu (Espresso-soaked lady fingers, mascarpone, anglaise, cocoa) for a birthday treat. This one was rich and amazing.

And did I mention the bread? Warm, crunchy on the crust, absolutely delicious and completely unnecessary!

The highlight of the day, of course, was just being out and enjoying one another’s company for a quiet, unhurried, evening together.

This is what makes life so very good. Simply being together, in the moment, experiencing goodness as a shared experience.

Grateful that Rebekah was born – DEREK