Oct. 20, 2009 - A New Decade
Tomorrow will be crazy busy as I am working and then Kevin and I are going to a Bible study tomorrow. So I will write today about tomorrow, which is rather a momentous day for me.
Tomorrow is my birthday. And it isn't just any birthday, it is one of the big ones -- the big FORTY!
Yes, tomorrow I will be 40 years old. I am sure it is normal to feel a little strange at turning 40. And there is no harm at all, and probably much good, in doing a little contemplation about my life.
Mostly, I feel very grateful for my life. When I look back at previous decades, I think I can say with truth that I am a more joyful and content person at age 40 than I was during any of the previous decades.
At age 10 I was in the jungles of Bolivia where my parents were missionaries. There were great things about living in Bolivia, but some challenging things happened too.
At age 20, I was a junior working on an undergraduate degree in metallurgical engineering in "snow country" (Houghton, Michigan.) I was an exemplary and successful student, but not a peaceful person at that time. And while I knew Christ as Lord and Savior, I didn't really know Him as my Friend.
At age 30, life seemed somewhat simple! We had just moved down from Michigan, where Kevin had recently completed his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in Materials Science and Engineering. When I turned 30, I was very pregnant with our first child. How simple that life seems now! I had no children in the home, just one in the womb. My primary focus was getting out house unpacked and getting ready for being a mom. I really can hardly BELIEVE that I have six children now. I never would have imagined that we would be so blessed to have 6 children in 8 years!
And now I am 40. Life seems busy, crazy, and stressful at times. But it also is a delightful life, a blessed life, a joyful life. I am privileged to be married to the best man in the world for me. I adore my children with all their quirkiness. I am growing in my maturity as a child of God, as a wife, and as a mother. I have a long way to go, but have faith that God will grow and teach me as the days and years go on.
I would say the one rather sad thing about turning 40 is that I'd love another baby, and it seems likely we're done with six. But six, wow, SIX! We are so blessed to have six sweethearts. I am grateful for them and need to be peaceful with moving into a new phase in life. And who knows, maybe in 11 or 15 or 18 years, we'll have a grandchild or two.
So, happy birthday to me!
Comments
Oct. 20, 2009 - Happy Birthday!
Posted by Anonymous
Love you lots,
Cheryl
Oct. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by stillearning
Oct. 25, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 5lilpeppers
I didn't realize. I should get to your blog more often, friend.
I too think my more recent years I have become more satisfied in life and my walk. It must be the benefit of living so many years!
I thank the Lord for you.
Jacinda
Oct. 26, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AnnieKate
Hugs,
Annie Kate
