I spent today being 27 for the very last time (which is to say, in my most dramatic attempt, that tomorrow, I’ll be 28). I’m not sure what to think about that number just yet, but I am all for the newness of things–the fresh start/new leaf/clean page feeling that comes with celebrating a birthday. I’m quite optimistic about what my 29th year might hold (and if you know me, you know I LOVE even numbers, so “being” 28 is quite pleasing to my little mind).

My 28th year had its fair share of ups and downs, as most years are wont to do. And as I bid it farewell on many accounts, I think it prudent to recall some of the highlights that have folded themselves into the past 365 days. No need to harbor on hard things to be sure, but rather to learn and grow and be shaped from them. So here’s to being shaped, and to the following:

-A healthy year. Nothing but a few minor colds and allergies to make me sneeze-y on occasion. For this, I’m VERY grateful.

-A successful summer of training, two half marathons, a 5k, a 10k and personal records on three out of four!

-Trips to visit friends and strangers. California was lovely in the Fall. India changed my world forever. (India deserves so much more than a one-liner here. More later, I promise)

-Sister time in Kansas City and another sisterly visit over Easter. Long chats, funny photos, shopping, walks, crafts, great food, prayer. Just what sister time should be made of!

-Holidays with family. As a kid, I always thought this was a given, but after a few years away from home, being “home for the holidays” is just that much more splendid

-A growing pup. Kruger was 4 months old on my last birthday. Now he’s well past a year and a whopping 85 pounds of black lab puppy love (and trouble:)

-A changing home. We’ve done so much in and around the house in the past year. Progress seems slow when it comes in spurts, but so much has changed–from paint on walls to new memories in frames to a completely new front yard

-A new job. I feel like I’ve gained an entire education in marketing in my role as a consultant, and now, I’m learning new things again as a marketing director in an entirely different field

-Doula training. Near the end of my litany, but not the least bit insignificant. God made a place in my heart for this journey when we were living in Africa, and now I’m amazed to watch it come to fruition. I cannot wait to support and bless mommies/babies/families in love and ministry for years to come

-Witnessing a live birth for the first time–ever. And my goodness, was it a red letter day! I will never forget seeing that sweet little face and those stretched out little toes as they entered the world. I owe her mommy and daddy a world of thanks. She’ll always be incredibly special in my heart!

-Learning to love in new ways. Learning to accept in new ways. Learning to be more patient, forgiving, gracious, joyful, peaceful, grateful, passionate, determined, surrendered, delighted, open, vulnerable, willing, prayerful, serving, wise, discerning, restrained, empowered, life-filled than I was at 24, 25, 26…

-Most importantly…being stretched and molded, challenged and frustrated, loved and forgiven, adored and accepted, blessed and protected, guided and sought-after, uplifted and joy-filled, made worshipful and more sanctified by a most Holy and unconditional Creator. After this year, our God is more marvelous to me than ever before, and I have more trust and faith and hope in Him than I ever knew possible. Amazing!

27 wasn’t always one of my favorite years. But I don’t think I’ll look back on it, or on the list above, and ever regret the growth that has occurred in and around me over the past 12 months. Tomorrow, I’ll be 28. Tomorrow, I’ll turn over another new leaf and mark another year gone by. I’m so glad it counted for something–and more than just something. I couldn’t be more blessed to look forward to another day!

Here’s to 28 and all that will fall within its pages,

mm

filled with awe and wonder at the beauty of life, in my 28th year, age 27 🙂