So I celebrated my 29th birthday this past Tuesday. It was a great birthday. I was not disappointed with gifts, cards, phone calls, dinner, cake, and time with the family. I don’t even really mind that I’m getting older. In fact I kind of like it. I did have time to contemplate the last year…year 28. My husband Jonathan often does this kind of contemplating on his birthday…and well…I guess I’ve taken on this little trait. It can definitely be a sobering time of reflection when you ask the question, “okay, what have I accomplished since my last birthday?”
I thought about how my 28th year brought about learning in how to take care of my baby girl Rebekah. That alone has taught me much about sin in my life, but also about God’s grace and teaching. I thought about the new children’s ministry that I’ve had the privilege to help lead. That has taught me about delegation, working in a team, and working with excellence. I’ve thought about the move to a new home in Franklinton, NC. This taught me about contentment, God’s provision, and God’s challenge to be a witness to my lost neighbors. I have thought about the many blessings and difficult times peppered in my past months of life that have shaped me into who I am today…but I also thought of the moments that I had wasted…sometimes weeks where nothing was accomplished. This reflection was indeed sobering, but it was also exciting. It was exciting to know that this year brings brand new days, opportunities, and challenges. I am not the same person I was when I turned 29 years old. Neither do I intend to be the same next year when I turn 30.
“Only one life,
’Twill soon be past;
Only what’s done
for Christ will last.”
Quoted from Don’t Waste Your Life
Happy belated birthday!