So starts one of my favorite Tim McGraw songs. Actually, for some reason that has been one of JD's favorite songs lately. Even though I'm a year past the 30 talked about in the song, I thought it was still appropriate.
It goes on to say "the ending of an era and the turning of a page - now it's time to focus in on where I go from here - Lord have mercy on my next 30 years".
Probably because another year has come and gone, it has been on my mind lately how quickly time passes. It's almost like you just get settled in to one year and you're heading into the next. I have a son that is almost as tall as I am. Wow. Really? A pre-teen? Really? How?
In my 31 years I've experienced broken bones, a broken heart, flat tires, tears that flowed and didn't seem to stop, disappointments, jobs that absolutely stank, betrayal, grief, overwhelming stress, unbelievable sadness, what seemed like crushing defeat, the loss of family -
But thankfully my story doesn't end there......
I've also experienced the birth of my son, overwhelming grace, mercies that are new each morning, a joy that can't be denied, a heart that still loves, friends that are as close as family, family that is stronger than any super hero ever imagined, opportunities that had to be devine, support when I needed it, a hand to hold when I was at my weakest, a confidence that cannot be taken away, laughing until I cried, a child that makes me proud, a belief in the greatness of the future and what it has in store, and much much more.
I've often heard people talk about turning a certain age and how sad they were because they felt as if they were getting old. I don't understand this. I've earned every bit of the 31 years I've been blessed with. I wear the scars, I delight in the redemption. I am absolutely amazed at the opportunity of life that I've been given. I am thankful. So thankful. As I look back on it, I wouldn't change a thing. Each experience has helped contribute to the person I am today. I am happy to say that I don't have to live in my past, but I can look forward to what life has in store for me.
In closing, here is a quote that has seemed to stick with me lately - Most people are as happy as they make their minds up to be...Abraham Lincoln. Well, I've got my mind made up.
