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.