The Last of the 20s

It's weird how birthdays kind of just sneak up.  I mean it shouldn't be all that weird, since you have a 365 day warning, but still.  I have to admit that I was a little sad to think that this will be my last year starting with the digit "2."  My twentys have been really great--college, first job, tons of adventuring in Colorado, Spring Break trips to NYC & Australia, masters degree, buying my first place, developing new friendships, meeting my future husband...and the list goes on.  Who wouldn't want to relive those days?  Still, I found myself a little hesitant to be so close to 30.  When I was little, 30 seemed so far away and, well, quite frankly, "old."  Now, the closer I get to these landmark birthdays, the more I realize that the age old saying, "Age is just a number," has more truth to it than I thought.  I definitely don't feel much different than I did a decade ago.  (Honestly, there are still some days that I wonder who in their right mind deemed that I would be capable of teaching, leading, and serving 25+ children each day!  I still feel like a kid myself sometimes and can barely take care of 1 person-me.)  However, instead of dwelling on how much I'm not liking the fact that I'm one step closer to a birthday milestone, I'm going to focus on the positive.  They year of 29 has some great things in store--a lot of unknowns and I'm sure some surprises (jobs, houses, relocation for one or both of us), but still, some really great things.  After all, it will be the year that I marry my best friend.  That in itself is enough to be excited about. 

As I experienced  a week of celebrations with loved ones, I was reminded of how truly blessed I am.  So many women gave me the gift of time as we spent a delightful evening out together.   Not only did I have the most delicious chicken dish ever, but the blackberry sangrias were to die for!  We had a lovely evening of good conversation and laughter.  I felt so special and very well loved.  

My coworkers even decorated my cubicle with a special birthday balloon. Loved ones far away sent their birthday wishes in cards.  My cousin came down and had lunch with me.  And, as if that weren't enough, my sister came for a visit the end of the week for 5 days!  Thank you Lord for giving me this 28th year and for all the incredible people that you have placed in my life!

 

Of course, Parker celebrated my birthday too.  In fact, it was a year ago about this time that he taught me how to Skype, sent me my first card (for my birthday), and talked about coming to visit me for the first time.  It still blows my mind to think about God's faithfulness in our relationship in just a year's time.  This year, Parker hid my birthday card and present under my pillow when he was visiting last week.  He thought that I might need a little cheering up after he left.  Yes, this man knows me well.  He also probably knew that I'd never be able to wait a whole week to open both...he was right again.  Even though I couldn't wait until my actual birthday, it was nice to spread out the celebrations.  Parker wrote me the sweetest card and gave me a shirt to help me feel closer to him.  Do you see the maple leaf?  Canada, please take good care of my guy until we can be together again.