i've never won a major award. i'm not famous. and i haven't invented anything noteworthy (yet) ;-)
i'm not really an expert on any subject. i don't have any hidden talents. and i'm pretty sure that even if i did, i'm past the point of being "discovered" -ha!
as i think back on the last three decades of my life, there are quite a few things that i still haven't done, that i can't do, or that i'm not. but in all honesty, those things don't matter. not one bit. in my years on this earth, i have already been blessed with more than i could ever deserve. so tonight, on the eve of my 30th birthday, i'm thanking God for all that he has given me, all that i am, and all that is yet to come....
i have an absolute peace and assurance about where i will spend eternity. there is not a doubt in my mind that when my days on earth are through, i will meet my Maker and spend eternity with Him in heaven. thank you, Jesus that i can live each day knowing that this is not my home.
i am blessed to be married to the love of my life. how many people can say that they are married to the same boy that took them out on their first date (almost 17 years ago!)?!
and without a second thought, i'd do it all over again.
we have two of the sweetest and most beautiful girls on the face of this earth. not a day goes by that i do not thank God for the health and happiness of our precious babies. i am in awe every day that He has chosen me to be their mother. it is a gift that i will never take for granted....(Remind me of that when they're teenagers, mmmkay?) ;-)
i am surrounded by my family and encouraged by them daily. my mom is my best friend. my dad is a pretty close second (no offense dad, but you don't like to shop, so....) i am blessed to call my brother and sister-in-law friends, too. it fills my heart with joy to watch our girls growing up together. my sister makes me laugh like no other and she definitely keeps life interesting. my in-laws are incredibly giving. they would do anything for our girls and they treat me like their own.
i have endured hardships, trials, hurt feelings, and life lessons that were difficult to learn. but through all of these, the Lord never left my side. i am eternally grateful that i have had the opportunity to experience God's grace, forgiveness, and the redeeming power of His love. and that i can say, without hesitation, that his mercies are new every morning.
in the last 30 years, i have earned a college degree, a paycheck, and a few raises in between. i have earned every pound of baby weight ;), earned my "mom badge", and the right to brag on my own kids. and as much as i'd like to deny it, i have also earned each stretch mark, wrinkle, and gray hair that my 30 year old body boasts. so while i'm not sure if looking back on the past 30 years makes me feel old or young, it sure does make me feel proud. and even beyond that, it makes me so thankful for how blessed i am and excited for what the future holds.
"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
Psalm 139:16
