Some Reflections On My Birthday!

Today’s my birthday!! It always sneaks up on me every year! We’ve just barely emerged from the happy chaos of the holidays, and we’re bumbling along trying to get back into a routine…and then suddenly, I’m another year older! Wow!

I turned 27 this morning. I’m officially in my late 20s now, according to my husband. 🙂 (He’s 9 days younger than me; he’ll be in his late 20s soon enough!) Although I’m a little shocked at how old 27 sounds, I’m mostly filled with gratitude for what the last year has brought me.

26 brought me fresh hope in pregnancy after miscarriage. It brought me joy (so much joy!) and anticipation as we waited for our darling Sophie to arrive! 26 brought me new friendships, and strengthened older ones. 26 brought so many chances for me to relearn how to be vulnerable. But it also was a uniquely beautiful season for me – I learned how to be more assertive and confident in myself than before. I learned to combat worry. 26 brought its share of challenges and uncertainties, and these taught me to daily rely on Jesus. 26 also changed me – from a wife into a wife and mama. The year strengthened our marriage as we discovered new facets of our relationship and transitioned into being parents. 26 brought fun travel and happy adventures. It taught me a lot about being content – something I’ve settled into more lately. It brought me a long, long list of things to thank God for – because, good times and harder ones aside, it all helped to stretch me and grow me more into the person I am now!

I have a feeling that 27 will be an incredible year. We have an adorable daughter who will continue to warm our hearts as she grows. We have some fun travels coming up this year. We have exciting new opportunities and endeavors to anticipate. And, we have each other! Of course, we never know what the future will bring. I can’t totally visualize clearly what 27 will look like for me. But what I do know is that I serve a God who has granted me another year – a Shepherd who guides and directs us tenderly, and who stretches us as we learn to look to Him more. He has blessed my 26th year of life so much; I am eagerly awaiting the joyous adventures and meaningful growth that 27 will bring!