Reflections on 25

Today was a pretty momentous day...I guess. At exactly 4:09 am this morning, I turned 25 years old. To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to the coming of this birthday. Mostly, I just had some really deep concerns about where my life is going, and what it really means to be 25 years old. Silly things kept on popping into my head like...I've lived 1/3 of my life according to the national average...or how about, if I lived in Jesus' time, I'd almost be dead...and the ever favorite, I was expecting such a different life by the time I turned 25.

Basically, with a lot of love, a dear friend helped me get out of this mind frame. Instead, she said she was so happy it was my birthday, because it was the day that God decided to share His Joy with the world.

It made me realize I do want to share JOY with the world...be it in a friendly encounter, encouraging word, a prayer, or a hug. I want everyone around me to know that the Lord loves each of us more deeply and passionately than any other. He knows when we feel inadequate or like we've wasted time in our life. But honestly, time...age...all that stuff really doesn't matter. He created us to live with in into eternity and therefore, our souls are only bound to His glorification...not a time line.

I had a beautiful birthday...starting off with Starbucks and lovely thoughtful gestures from co-workers. My bestest friend brought me my favorite lunch and spent time with me to enjoy it. Then, I got to hang with my families at dinner at the Red Robin. Of course, they had to do the awkward birthday song..."Do we have a birthday here? Yes, we have a birthday here!" But I didn't let that spoil my night! ;-)

My beautiful godson, Isaiah spent the day figuring out a present for me. He designed a paper bag with a line and dot pattern (in pink marker) with his gift inside. He was so cute, because he helped make me an ankle bracelet, and gave me chocolates in a plastic zip-lock bag. My heart just melted, because it was so thoughtful and adorable! I mean, he got it down...chocolates and jewelry...what every girl wants for her birthday! hehehehe!

My family was so much fun, and I loved every single moment I got to spend with them during my party. Mom, Dad, Manda, Grandma, Grandpa, Karin, Matt, Isaiah, Jake...I love you all, and thank you for spending mt, Kate, Ben, Maddie, Mikey,y birthday with me! Twenty-five definitely had a sweeter feel because of you each of you sharing how much you love me. I am so thankful for each of you in my life. My sister made an amazing slide show movie for me with pictures from our childhood together, and it made me tear up it was so beautiful. It started showing me that the first 25 years of my life have always been filled with graces from God.














Then, I started thinking about all the things that are way cool about the number twenty five, and I even got some help from others! How about the:
Twenty Five Reasons to Watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark






Or what about Andy Warhol's genius style with Marilyn:






There are lots of really cool things with the number twenty-five in them too...like quarters...25th Wedding Anniversaries or years of service. I could go on forever...probably (or at least for 25 more years)!

So, those are my thoughts on the transition between 24 and 25 years old.