Almost...

Thirty. Such a small word...only two little syllables. Yet such an important word this year. This May I will be turning thirty. As I begin to contemplate this new decade, I started by looking back. Looking at this decade in retrospect was eye opening to say the least. Ten years ago when I was looking at my life I would have sworn to you that my 30th year would look different. Who and where I thought I would be is not where or who I am. But, I cannot tell a lie...I'm okay with that. :-)

My 20-year-old self expected to have a certain life by 30. I was to be married, have children, living comfortably in a nice house in the suburbs, driving an SUV (not a minivan) and working only because I wanted to, not because I needed to. Wow...20-year-old me was something else. Now I as draw nearer to 30 I am not dating, much less married. I have no children outside of the children of my friends whom I have adopted as "neice" and "nephew." I drive an economic car and work to pay each and every bill.

However, I am not complaining. I am rejoicing. God has brought me so very far since 20. This year I bought my first home. All on my own. I have the blessing of teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade students every day. And I don't just teach them history; I hope I teach them how to be better people. I have learned how to be myself in a way I would never have imagined at the age of 20. I have a better relationship with my family than I could ever have imagined.

I am looking forward to 30. I have no idea what this year or this decade is going to bring. And I'm not going to sit around planning what the future may hold. I was recently reminded (thanks to a discussion with a friend about Disney movies) that "happily ever after" doesn't look the same for everyone. Each day can be the beginning to my happily ever after. Each morning I have the opportunity to wake up and commit to live that day to glorify God and learn to serve Him. Whether that is going to work, encouraging a friend, playing the part of "Auntie Em" so that my friends can have a few hours without their children underfoot, cooking a pot of chili to share with my coworkers or writing on this blog to encourage the unknown reader out there. I know that there will still be those who will wonder (or insensitively ask) when I'm going to get married and start having babies of my own. And to those, I will confidently reply, "In His Time." That is a truth that passes all understanding. His timing is perfect. Not always what we expect, but perfect nonetheless. And this is another year to live in that truth.

This year I am taking four trips by June...Washington D.C., New York City, Las Vegas, and Williamsburg. I've applied for a summer seminar that could take me to Cambridge in the U.K. to take a history class (nerd alert!). I am part of a church I love and am excited to become more involved. This is a new year. An exciting step in a different direction. A new house, great friends, loving family, and an outlook toward 30 that I never imagined at 20. I'm ready to take 30 by storm! To God be the glory, great things He has done!