30 Something

Today marks my 35th trip around the sun. Say what you will about the facebook phenomenon, but the very best thing about it is your birthday. Because there is a tickler reminding all of your friends that it is your special day, well wishes come pouring in from various parts of your life. I got a kick out of a couple of the messages today from people I haven't seen in over 20 years. One in particular spoke of my 'Betty Boop sweatshirt and leggings' circa 1985. I haven't even thought about that outfit in decades..and yet, to Cynthia, it is how I am frozen in her mind. I had an over permed bob and loved to wear folded down ruffle socks with my tennis shoes because I had seen something like it in a ZZ Top video.

Various people from my past used nicknames that take me right back to certain periods of my life, Doodle Bug , Youngie, JY. Their memories of my outfits would range from jeans that were way too baggy and pin rolled at the ankle to jeans that were a bit too tight thanks to my freshman 15 at Alabama.

Those faces represent a composite of my days in Alabama, Georgia and Virginia, work friends, school friends and people I met through Young Life or theater. Some knew me with long straight hair others with a short curly Aussie Scrunch Bob. In the minds of some I drive a Honda Accord as a constantly road tripping single girl...to others I have always been a mother of triplets in a beaten up Yukon.

Would those people from way back be surprised to know that I am grace professing Christ follower? Did they have unfortunate experiences with me in particularly zealous seasons of my life? Do they remember me as judgmental? Loud? Loving and kind? Or do they remember me from times when I was intent on proving to the world that I was still 'fun' and they couldn't just peg me a good girl and move on....naval ring simply for the shock factor, anyone?

The mosaic of faces that have greeted me with well wishes today represent so many different seasons and places...some I embrace more readily than others, but they are all part of the testimony God is building in my life.

Had you asked me a decade ago about 35, I would have thought of this age as being kind of 'stuck.' My twenty-something self would have been intimidated at the thought of children, marriage, mortgage, carpooling, homework, committees and the like. But I had it all wrong.

All of those other chapters have been necessary for this...la bella vida...the beautiful life. Yes, I drive a complete Mom-mobile full of crumbs and lost toys. I rarely look that pulled together because getting everyone else together and out the door leaves little time for me to primp. Some days I seem too serious and/or busy. I get frustrated about little things that don't really matter more often than I should...

But, don't be deceived. If you were to glimpse into this 35 year old heart you would find contentment, joy, peace and gratitude. This is the skin God gave me (freckled and sun damaged as it may be), and I am quite comfy in it. I feel loved, accepted and vital. I am enjoying this place and the callings that have come with it.

Thank you, God, for all that you have entrusted to me thus far. The experiences I struggled to understand, the seasons I fumbled through, the people you brought into and out of my life every step of the way so far. There is a godly thread, weaving this live together.

I pray that I may be found as a faithful steward. I cannot wait to see where we are headed next!