For the last several years, September 26th has served as a reminder of where I thought I would be at some arbitrary age vs where I actually am. Everything I thought I’d have done by 30 has in fact not been done. The same thing can be said for 31 and 32. But, that doesn’t mean my life has any lesser value because of it. The world, though it may try, doesn’t set the standard for what it means to have lived your life well. You could live your life and be the richest and most famous person, but still have not lived your life well. Living life and living it well is determined by God the creator of everything.
I’m working on gratitude. I’m working on “rephrasing” how I think about things. I am working on reminding myself Whose I am and that ultimately it’s only His opinion that matters. And He… He loves me. Jesus loves me for me. So as I prepare for another September 26th, I thought the best way to close out a year of life is to share 32 thoughts from year 32 of life.
- I don’t know how people make it through life and through hard times without knowing Jesus.
- Vulnerability breeds authenticity. I’ve been working really hard on being vulnerable with the safe people in my life.
- I enjoy leading and teaching in small group. More than I thought I would.
- I finished a certificate in Christian Ministries. Now I just want to keep taking classes and learning more.
- I got back into music this year. I don’t know that I have ever loved and appreciated this gift like I do now.
- I’ve done more public speaking the last 9 months than I have my entire life. It’s not my forte, but I have been gifted in doing such.
- My therapist told me she’s proud, and I believed her- big deal.
- I’ve learned I am far more capable of being nice, smiling, and not being sarcastic during the work day than I thought possible.
- I love a good dad joke and dumb pun.
- I went from painting houses one week to working at my church the next. You can’t tell me the Lord doesn’t provide for His children.
- A song that broke me more than once this year- The Blood. For someone who struggles with the concept of unconditional love… it is so comforting knowing that the Lord’s love for me is just that- unconditional. My salvation isn’t based on my works or performance, it’s by grace through faith because of the blood.
- The version of me writing this… She is the truest version of me that’s existed thus far.
- Disney at Christmas time is magical.
- I handle the pressure of crisis well. I should be on everyone’s zombie apocalypse survivor squad.
- If I were ever to be on a competition show, it would be survivor. Outwit. Outlast. Outplay. Digging deep. That’s the game for me.
- I joined the ink gang with a tattoo on my left wrist in memory of my brother.
- Even so, the Lord is so good.
- No matter how much preseason hype there is, or how decent we play during the season, I think it’s safe to say the Cowboys will always break my heart… but, win, lose, or tie, Cowboys fan til I die.
- I care about college football now. Anchor down!
- Someone told me I’m the funniest person they know and that might be one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me.
- In 24ish days, I leave the country and move across the world for the greatest adventure yet. I’m not sure if that’s more exciting or terrifying.
- Apparently I am a firm believer in energy drinks now. In case anyone wants to buy me one, Ghost peach flavored is my favorite.
- I saw Third Day in concert. Hands down one of my favorite concerts to date.
- I still have nightmares about my time in grad school. I graduated 8 years ago…
- While I don’t use my degrees, I still think math is pretty great. I LOVE being given opportunities to help young minds learn and appreciate the beautiful subject.
- I am not the same person I was this time last year.
- I think and I hope I am more like Jesus now than I was at 31.
- Episodes 4-6 of Star Wars will always be the superior Star Wars films.
- I am loved and liked by more people than I’ve ever realized or have been willing to admit.
- I’m slowly learning how to let my ADHD “flaws” be my superpower.
- I don’t see them often enough, but sunsets at the beach are still my happy place.
- I’m proud of me. If you know me in real life, you know that’s a big deal.
I have no idea what year 33 will bring… I mean, I kind of do because of the whole moving overseas thing, but I am excited to see the growth the Lord brings in my life. I am excited to look back over 33 and see all that the Lord has done and is doing in and through me.
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