So as usual, it’s been a while…I’ve been holding off on writing this one, but it’s been spinning in my mind for a while, just begging to come out, so I guess I'll oblige. Last month I celebrated my 29th Birthday. As much as I was apprehensive about getting one year closer to the big 3-0h, deep down I was ready to kiss 28 goodbye and welcome 29 (and all it has in store) with open arms. Oh 28, you started off so quietly, but, oh how you left your mark :)
In my 28th year of life I… took my heart off the shelf, took chances, was “courted” and adored, had the honor of standing beside my best friend as she said I do, learned what it means to love on a new level, learned what it means to forgive on a new level, learned how to trust on a new level, felt God’s love in an overwhelming and tangible way as I never had before.
I healed a bruised heart, started the “… quarrel cake” tradition with my dearest girlfriend and mentor, saw a hint of what it means to "do all things through Christ who strengthens me", was humbled by the incredible power of prayer, experienced God while hiking in Flagstaff, was reminded that life is fragile and that each day is a gift, drove 45 minutes to stand on the beach for 5 because I couldn’t go to Cali and not see the ocean, pulled off the best surprise ever with my BFF, celebrated the 30th wedding anniversary of my parents, shared in the joy of my bestie having twins after a long road of trying, realized that chivalry is not dead, became a very proud auntie for the second time.
I lost hope and (by God's grace) found it again, witnessed first hand (many times) why His timing is perfect, became incredibly aware of how blessed I am to have so many amazing people in my life, sat with a precious friend after finding out she has cancer, asked the hard questions, went to my first “head shaving” party, sat in a big pink shoe at the Cosmopolitan while on a much needed girls weekend, said goodbye as a friend left to defend our country overseas, shared life over numerous cups of chai, was properly educated on what it really means to have faith, watched in amazement as God took pieces of broken dreams and put them back together in a new and beautiful way, began many new friendships that I know will last a lifetime, had the opportunity to become part of something bigger than myself for HIS glory...
...got misty eyed while writing this because...
I.
Am.
So.
AWESTRUCK...
by God’s unfailing grace and mercy. By His blessings, fulfilled promises and peace. Most of all by his extraordinary and unconditional love. This past year I have cried more, laughed harder, and loved deeper than I knew I was capable of. For all of you who walked with me during the ups and downs, and allowed me to walk with you during yours, I hope you know how much you have blessed me, and how much I love you.
