Today is my birthday! I remember when I was young, every birthday seemed like a big one (I hadn't had all that many after all). Now, they never seen quite like they are any different than the day before. Today, however, is a big one: I'm turning 30!
As I walk into this new decade of adventure and service to God, I thought I might take a minute or two to reflect on what it means to spend one's life with God and what I have learned over that past thirty years. I would first like to note that at thirty, the learning is sill not done, not even close; still, as I grow to know Him and His goodness more and more each day, I find that I myself have grown immeasurably in these years of spiritual hardship, reconnection, and pure love. God is so so good and His goodness has followed me all the day of my life. I cannot wait to share with you all I have learned and discovered.
God will wait for you and even sometimes yank you from where you are
I often think back to the last birthday I had before God pulled me back to a life of service to Him. I had turned 26, there was tequila, and a trip to the safari park with my family. I would be lying if I said there wasn't still tequila on my birthdays (I love margaritas after all) and that I would not still visit the safari park with my family. Still, when I think back to the last birthday then I was running from God, I clearly remember the tugging I continuously felt on my heart for something more, something better. God was ever patiently waiting for me, calling out to me from a distance and asking me to draw near. He does this, over and over until we get the picture... but hes also not afraid to loop a finger around our belt loops and pull us into our destiny when our hearts give way to Him and cry out. I remember how that felt and I'm so thankful for him and what He has done for me.
You can be both fond of and sad for the memories you make
I wouldn't say my twenties were great... though I might not say they were all that bad either. The majority of the decade, I was running from God and searching for myself; only to find that the two were intrinsically tied together. I did have fun along the way. I have very fond memories of my twenties and at the same time those same memories (and others as well) can sometimes make me sad and even wish to not live them over again. That's okay. Life is so much more than the mistakes me make. We can also still acknowledge the laughs we had and the happiness we felt, even while we made mistakes. God does not give us a range of emotions for nothing.
You will never be as young as you are now, but don't worry, God's plans are still fun and vibrant as you grow older
I don't know why, but since I was a young child, I always said my greatest decade would be my thirties. Many people are afraid of growing older and they even try to grasp on to their youth for as long as they can; but, God never intends for that. Growing older is a badge of honor! We grow each day in age, wisdom, and maturity as God blesses us with fresh air in our lungs; and He does so with the promise that our first days will not be our only good days. God has great plans for us for every day of our lives! If we can trust in His goodness, we will have all the fun and happiness we had when we were young (and probably even more).
No matter where life takes you, God will be there
I think this is the most important thing God has shown me as I have spent the past 30 years with Him. I never thought I would be where I am today. The plans I had for myself definitely looked a lot different and some of the things I have been through, I wished to have spared myself of all together. BUT, through it all, God has always been there to love me, guide me, and hold my hand along the way.
I am so excited to be stepping into a new decade with the hope and love of God by my side. I don't know what the future brings, but one thing I know for sure is, if I have God I have all that I need. I pray you will be blessed immensely in the coming years with the knowledge and love of Jesus and I cannot wait to continue sharing all that God shows me with all of you.
God bless you all!
