30

Well, today I'm 30. What does that mean? My twenties are over and the scale reads a little differently and the mirror shows me I don't look like I'm 20. BIG DEAL! What does it really mean?

Well, yesterday I was starting to focus on the things I haven't done yet and had wanted to do by now. Like my degree, for example. I never thought I would be 2 semesters away from a degree for nearly 5 years and counting. I also just imagined some things working out differently through out the years (yes, many years to those of you thinking it!!)than they have, or did. But then I started to think about all I have been blessed with. Not just my husband, children and families, but the places I've been, the people I've met, the friends I've made and how it has all shaped me. I would not be who I am at this very moment, on my 30th birthday, without every part of my past. I have made some huge mistakes and gone through some tough failures and not gotten to finish things I've started, but I have grown and learned because of it. I was born into such a loving and supportive family and I am blessed because of that too. If not for my Mom and Dad's love and support I would not have gotten to do many of the things I refer to. They also gave me a firm foundation in Christ, that I lean on and continue to build upon in my life now.

I am not the girl I was 10 years ago. The Lord has put people and paths in my life that have not only been unexpected, but have changed me and molded me a tad bit closer to who He created me to be. I am not perfect and I will always learn some lessons the hard way. But I realized this morning all the things I was so worried about last night are small potatoes compared to what I have done. The Lord doesn't always give us what we want, or what we think we need and He often has to lead us back to the direction He intended for us to take. (One way or another!) So what if everything hasn't gone how I imagined it would? I wouldn't change it and nothing about it surprised God. I haven't done anything because of me.

I'm 30. Thank you Lord for giving me these years and for allowing me to be shaped by you. Thank you for the many blessings I so far from deserve and thank you for never letting go.