Another year in the books. There are so many moments to reflect during the year… Thanksgiving, New Years, the end of semesters (I will forever live on a school schedule). But Your birthday. That one is just for you.
Year 28 was rung in the midst of chaos and planning. With a wedding 7 days away, it kind of blew in almost unexpectedly to a girl who was way more concerned with finishing the seating charts, and packing for a honeymoon.
Every year brings its own set of “news”. New moves, decisions, realizations, lessons, and trials. This year brought a new husband, new furbabies, new family, new house, new job (2 if your counting), and countless new ways to trust the Lord.
28 was an adventure, and if nothing else came from the ups and downs of this year, I believe I became a better adventurer. The unexpected and new made me better at handling unexpected and new. Still a long way to go, but I am getting there.
Life will be an adventure. As much as I want it to be a well planned trip, it will most likely be more like a good faith expedition into the unknown. And while I spent 28 years trying to refine my planning and organizing (controlling) life skills, this year has taught me that sometimes it is better to lay down your itinerary and just be along for the ride. To take things as they come. To be ready to redirect and adapt.
Because 365 days ago, I don’t think I would have ever been able to conceptualize all this year has been. And I honestly couldn’t have written a better story if I had tried.
Today makes 29 years. A mere 12 months away from 30. While it’s tempting to allow this number to be scary, it honestly just feels right. I fully plan to embrace the last year of my twenties and ring every bit of joy out of it. But heading into a 3rd decade has its beauty of its own.
As a kid you always have a picture of what each stage of life may look like. I have no idea what I thought 29 would be. It definitely seemed almost ancient. I am sure I assumed I would be married (check) with kids (not so much) a super important grown up career (getting there) and a mortgage of some sort. The actual picture contains some semblance of that, but maybe not in the same way I thought. Humility comes in realizing that maybe your life does not seem as “adult” as maybe it ought to seem at 29. But there is beauty in realizing that the life you have is pretty fantastic. And you can’t question the places God perfectly and lovingly has you.
In these 365 days, I learned how to love better… my friends, my husband, and my family. I got to explore new places with old friends. I got to trust God more deeply in the unknown.
My heart opened to learning to dream bigger dreams, and was challenged to encourage and endure with those around me even in the not so pretty. Celebrating is a new art form I am learning. Serving has taken new directions. My heart has been broken and has soared again. Obedience was emphasized and courage was needed.
Year 28, I declare you a success. Truly beauty in the midst of brokenness. From endless road trips, to coffee dates, and many evenings with friends, this year was full to the brim.
My newly cultivated practice of hoping and dreaming is excited for another 365 days to become more and more who God is making me to be. And to walk deeper and more reliant on Him.
Because I have no illusion that 30 will be the year that I finally have it all figured out. But what fun would that be anyway. The adventure is in the journey.