Thoughts on My Birthday

Today is my birthday... my 30th birthday. I can tell you that I spent alot of time these past few months dreading this birthday. There was something about the thought of turning 30, being out of my 20s, that just really got me down. I remember when I was 12 or so... 30 just seemed so O-L-D. Now that I'm here... I don't FEEL old, so maybe it really isn't as old as I used to think it was. Or maybe I'm just smarter now that I'm...well... older. Because I am older. I can admit that now!

Now that my birthday is actually here, I'm not feeling so bad about it anymore. I think that's because so many people have gone out of their way to make me feel loved and special. My dad and Jennifer and family took me out to dinner on Monday. Today, I woke up to trees covered with toilet paper, signs saying "Happy 30th Birthday!", and a headless farting dog stuck in the yard. Funny how even farts can make you feel loved sometimes, eh? Then a family friend came over and weeded and mulched all the beds around my house (God bless you, Lanny!). Steve took me out to lunch, and waiting on a table at the restaurant was a dozen yellow roses and a brightly wrapped present. I've gotten phone calls with friends singing "Happy Birthday!", cards and e-cards from friends far away, and enough sweets to send me into sugar shock. Some girlfriends took me out tonight, Steve and I are going on a date tomorrow night (God bless you, Steve... and you, Grandma and Grandpa, for watching Nathan!), and more family is coming up on Saturday. Vivian is making my favorite cake, my dad gave me an ice-cream maker, and Nathan and I laughed at the sight of each other with blue birthday cake icing on our noses. These are memories I will hold in my heart for years to come. And I never would have had them if I hadn't turned 30.

So yes, I am older. I'm 30. But I am loved by so many people... by family and friends and our church. I know I was loved and celebrated when I was 12 too... but maybe I just enjoy it more now that I am old enough to really appreciate it. I think the older we get, the more loved ones we have to celebrate with. And that is reason enough to embrace my 30s... more time to love and be loved. Happy 30th Birthday to me! And thank you all for making it so special!