I've been waiting for this day for years.
Yes, really. People keep asking me how I feel about turning thirty. Apparently, I'm supposed to be horrified at the prospect of entering a new decade. I'm not. Here's why:
For ease of argument, let's say that the "20s" actually extends from 18-29. How extraordinarily much does life change in those twelve years? Choose a college. Choose a major. Find a career. Get married. Buy a house. Start having kids. Move as many times as those changes require, finding new living spaces/churches/friends as needed. Oh yeah, and try to stay out of debt while you're at it.
My 20s included all of those things, several of them more than once. A few long-distance moves (to Wales, to Albuquerque, to Baltimore), an abruptly-ended first marriage, a surprising passion for a career I always thought I'd hate (teaching piano lessons) . . . I've spent the majority of the past decade trying to figure out who I was and how I fit into the world. Whoever says that happens in high school is wrong, in my humble opinion. It's one thing to be(come) "yourself" in the safety of your parents' home, but quite another indeed to do so while struggling to become an adult in more than name only.
It was approximately around the time of the birth of my first child (nearly two years ago) that I realized that I am totally ready to be thirty. I have my husband, my house, my kids, my career (not in that order of importance, of course) . . . why shouldn't I be glad to be a real, official, in-her-30s adult? The sorting-out of identity might not be over (and clearly isn't, if you've been reading this blog at all), but at the very least I've got the big rocks* in place. I get more comfortable in my skin every day, and that's a confidence that stems from life experience.
Yep, I've earned the right to be 30. No more "young adult" for me, if you please. [I will, however, accept "younger adult" from those of you over, say, 50. ;)]
*Have you heard that analogy? Put the big rocks in the jar first, and the little rocks and the sand will find their places. If you put the little things in first, the big rocks won't fit. It's usually used to explain why we need to prioritize time with the Lord, but I've found it useful in a variety of ways.
Yes, really. People keep asking me how I feel about turning thirty. Apparently, I'm supposed to be horrified at the prospect of entering a new decade. I'm not. Here's why:
For ease of argument, let's say that the "20s" actually extends from 18-29. How extraordinarily much does life change in those twelve years? Choose a college. Choose a major. Find a career. Get married. Buy a house. Start having kids. Move as many times as those changes require, finding new living spaces/churches/friends as needed. Oh yeah, and try to stay out of debt while you're at it.
My 20s included all of those things, several of them more than once. A few long-distance moves (to Wales, to Albuquerque, to Baltimore), an abruptly-ended first marriage, a surprising passion for a career I always thought I'd hate (teaching piano lessons) . . . I've spent the majority of the past decade trying to figure out who I was and how I fit into the world. Whoever says that happens in high school is wrong, in my humble opinion. It's one thing to be(come) "yourself" in the safety of your parents' home, but quite another indeed to do so while struggling to become an adult in more than name only.
It was approximately around the time of the birth of my first child (nearly two years ago) that I realized that I am totally ready to be thirty. I have my husband, my house, my kids, my career (not in that order of importance, of course) . . . why shouldn't I be glad to be a real, official, in-her-30s adult? The sorting-out of identity might not be over (and clearly isn't, if you've been reading this blog at all), but at the very least I've got the big rocks* in place. I get more comfortable in my skin every day, and that's a confidence that stems from life experience.
Yep, I've earned the right to be 30. No more "young adult" for me, if you please. [I will, however, accept "younger adult" from those of you over, say, 50. ;)]
*Have you heard that analogy? Put the big rocks in the jar first, and the little rocks and the sand will find their places. If you put the little things in first, the big rocks won't fit. It's usually used to explain why we need to prioritize time with the Lord, but I've found it useful in a variety of ways.
Well said. And you've got the "big rock," the cornerstone, in place; a perfect way to start out a new decade!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!! I was just talking about the big rocks analogy in my Bible study last week. You're right - it's applicable in a number of situations. You're also rightly excited to enter the terrific thirties. I just celebrated 33, and have never felt more confidant, more assured of what I have to offer others, or more aware of my weaknesses. All good things, in my book.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday a day late! I feel very much the same way you do as I approach my 30th. Like you, my 20's were so.very.full (of both exciting and challenging times). I'm ready to close out one decade and begin a new with a clearer head. A friend of mine with 5 young kids battles breast cancer. Every birthday she celebrates because it marks one more year that she's had to be here on this earth. Her attitude is so infectious!
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