This morning I woke up and immediately remembered it was my birthday. Birthdays certainly aren’t as exciting as they were say thirty years ago, but they’re still pretty special. I hurried to the shower since I’d be going to work, and as I gauged the water temperature on my hand and felt the exhilarating, hot shower I knew 39 would be just fine.
As the welcoming warm water cascaded down my back I knew this day was worth celebrating. It was a joyous occasion to commemorate the day I was placed on this earth to fulfill my destiny of being a child of God. That deserved a Happy Birthday and Hallelujah.
As I looked in the foggy, bathroom mirror my older reflection looked back. The lines on my face, despite awesome skincare, told the truth that I was nearing forty, but that didn’t fill me with the kind of dread I had felt at 29. The fact was, I was a healthier, happier person than I had been ten years younger, and your outlook on life will keep you vibrant at heart. I realized I truthfully didn’t mind aging one bit, and since the past six years had treated me so kindly, I looked forward fondly to what was in store ahead of me. Each day got better in a life that seeked the Lord, and it was hard to dread something like that.
As I went to leave this morning my baby awoke crying for me, and I scooped her up eagerly. Her tears cut off like a switch as she cradled against my chest and I thought, “this is 39. Everything that is now is how it should be. How can you not love it?!”
There’s nothing wrong with getting older! It’s actually a great, grand thing. You learn that every day is a gift. Every encounter, every relationship, each passing breath a present to be unwrapped. The lessons learned over the years and the ability to appreciate each moment as it comes is the evidence of a great life lived, and the best is yet to come. 39 is just fine. The Lord continues to bless me, and I am grateful for this life that passes so quickly. It’s abundant and wonderful, and today is simply the day to celebrate when it all began.
bluebell222 says
Happy birthday, glad your day started out on a cheerful note.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Bettie Witherspoon says
I am 84 and every day is a joy; I have led a joyful life, having been led by our LordGod3 to walk in the path He had created me to follow, even when I was agnostic, He kept me on the path of my predestination.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
God bless you!
Laura Brose says
Happy Birthday!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Denise says
Brie,I needed this read as I turn 55 tomorrow…. And can’t believe that I’m this age. I love your optimism and need to incorporate your thoughts into my own. I need to celebrate me and the life God has blessed me with. Thank you for sharing, as always. Happy Birthday fellow Leo!?
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. Happy Birthday to you.
Denise says
Wait.. Is your birthday actually August 8? With the time stamping difference, I get confused. MY birthday is August 8! Are we “birthday twins”? ???
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Mine is the 7th. ?
Denise says
Got it… You’re on day ahead of me!! Happy to you!?
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Enjoy your special day!
Denise says
??
Alison Naknakim says
Happy belated birthday Brie. Thank you for writing your blog and encouraging us all. I’ll also be turning 39 at the end of November. I definitely feel Alot better now that I’m in my 30’s than I was in my 20’s. I may feel differently next year when 40 comes. Its hard to say that. God is good. He helps us with each new day. ☀
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks for commenting.
Lisa Naeger Shea says
The good news is, that’s how I felt at 49, too. I wouldn’t trade me now (at 51) for any other age. Life is an adventure. Looking forward is more fun than looking back. And living in the moment is best of all, especially when you’re doing your best to listen to God’s plans for you.