Why does 35 sound so much older than 34?
35.
Yawn.
Boring.
Why does 35 sound so "blah?"
35.
Middle aged.
Is 35 exactly middle-age? Sounds like it to me.
So that means I'm crossing a precipice.
Today the scales are exactly balanced.
Tomorrow they will ever so slightly begin tipping the other direction.
As I look behind me, what do I see?
A family--two brothers, Mom, Dad. A childhood--happy, secure, loved.
A trial of faith--heartbreaking, painful. An education--challenging, hard work, unforgettable opportunity.
A husband--mature, patient, kind. A family--daughter, son, son, son, daughter.
As I look ahead, what do I see?
A family--growing, maturing, bonding, loving, succeeding.
A life of service--for family, for church, for community.
A time to for me to fill in the blank________--for my growth, for my enrichment.
While 35 sounds rather non-descript, it's not just another weight on the scale. For me, it's the weight that balances the scale and peaks the perspective on my life. It's the point at which I weigh where I've been and assess where I'm going.
And I like what I'm seeing.
Happy 35th Birthday to you! Mine is just around the corner too, though I prefer to define middle aged as beginning at 40. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm more in the camp of 45 being middle-aged since I intend to live until I'm at least 90.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Shannon! I wish I'd said it yesterday, but I missed the boat. I hope it was a lovely, reflective day full of love. You are one of the best people I know and I love you to death.