How it is that we went from all the 1999 hysteria of the approaching Y2K mayhem, end of the world as we know it and predictions of a world in chaos to 2019 in, what seems to me to be, a brief moment in time?
Much to our delight, we all survived when the clock moved from 11.59pm on December 31, 1999 to 12:00am on January 1, 2000. Not only that, but the world didn’t subsequently implode and, in fact, that year was one of my best ever.
Life was exciting, I started a one year round the world trip, hiking and climbing in some of the most beautiful places on our planet. Life was full of adventure, potential and an abundance of fun! But more on that adventure another time.
My point in mentioning it is that it doesn’t seem that long ago but, in fact, 20 years have passed. I went from being 30 to now having turned 50 two days ago. 50! Not too long ago, 50 sounded rea-l-l-l-ly old. It seemed to me that it would be a time of life to start slowing things down and quietly settling into a different phase of life.
The thing is that, for me, life has never been busier. There’s no way anything’s slowing down any time soon. My kids are growing but with Noelle being 12 and Benji 10, they’re still my babies (and, of course, always will be!). I so want to make the most of these years when I get to have them close to me and there’s much to do. Work keeps me very busy and I continue to learn and be challenged though all the ups and downs of a demanding job. Between other family demands, church, chores, and trying to squeeze in exercise, life is full. Sometimes too full, but I always try to remind myself how blessed I am to be in the position I am at this point as there are so many who aren’t nearly as fortunate.
Turning 50 wasn’t really a big deal to me but it did make me think about things. About what’s important to me at this stage. About the adjustments I want, and in some cases need, to make. About my goals to ensure I honor the gift of life I’ve been given. I want to live this life well, with integrity, with responsibility, with love. Above all, I want to live the life that my Heavenly Father uniquely designed for me when he carefully, and lovingly, crafted me.
So, at 50, I honestly feel that the best is yet to come in so many respects. My life is not a picnic, there’s little that’s easy about it right now. It’s busy, challenging and at times, a struggle. However, in the midst of all the things going on, I have this sense of optimism buried deep in my heart.
There is a peace in who I am, what I believe, what I stand for and there’s something pretty wonderful about that, I think. There are many truly amazing people who I’m journeying through life with and that’s a precious thing to me. And I don’t feel that there’s really anything that I could do in my 30’s that I can’t do now.
So for 2019 and the years ahead, I will dare to be bold, brave, adventurous and sincere as I make this life count, always in honor of my Jesus.
May it be a most wonderful year for you and may you find blessings in hoped for, and unexpected, ways. xxx
