half-way there

Monday, February 4, 2008

Biblically speaking, my life is half over. Today.
(Psalm 90:10—and don't worry, I know this isn't really saying everyone gets 70 or 80 years & that's it.)

This is not a bad thing. At all.

I've done a lot in this "half-life" of mine. And there's so much to look forward to in the next half. The Lord has blessed me abundantly. He's given so many good things, including hard things. I've traveled and learned and played and loved and lost and grieved and rejoiced and grown and questioned and plowed forward and run forward and slid backwards and turned cartwheels and laughed and wept and been frightened and been fearless.

I've learned about who God is (though I've so much more to learn) and about His amazing, indescribable gifts to us (though the depths there are so much deeper than I'll ever go this side of eternity).

I know that I am not guaranteed another 35 years. I know that there are places in the world where 35 is venerable old age. I know my next breath is in the hand of the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

I'm so glad I can trust Him!

I know I've often failed to honor the Lord Jesus in this first half of my life. I'm grateful for His mercy and patience with me.

I'm looking forward to seeing His working in my next half!

13 comments:

Dave said...

All I have to say, is I am TEN years behind you :)

Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday my friend! I hope you have much joy and encouragement on this very special day! You are special. :-) God Bless

studiosmith said...

First, happy birthday. Second, thanks for the worshipful post. And for it's encouragement.

JulieMom said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I hope you get those other 35 years.

You're older than me. Ha. Ha.

jen said...

actually, Julie, I have this thing: anyone with kids is automatically a decade older than me!!

and dave: well, someday all those missed birthdays are going to catch up to you!!

Victoria said...

Happy Birthday - a bit late! I'm coming up on that (so is another commenter who's been in denial for 10 years) and I've had similar thoughts!

jen said...

yeah, that guy's in serious denial! I thought it was women who were supposed to be so concerned about their age! :)

Dave said...

I think I just got called "girly man".

Janice said...

So I totally missed your birthday, and our Sun PM date night, and everything!!! I will make it all up to you somehow, though I am not quite sure how... yet! But you know me and my creative genius will come up with something amazing! If not awe inspiring and down right unique. :)

And BTW (tee-hee! couldn't resist!!!) I am older than you. Because of kids, and because I was actually born before you. Well before you!

I think you should go on that TLC show "ten years younger" because the general population would START you ten years younger, and then you would end up looking, like 15!!!

Love you tons Girlie! Did you know... most of my favorite people were born in February. Should have known you were a Feb girl!

Anonymous said...

I am totally crushed about Jan's February comment....I don't even know how I am going to deal with that! So sad....so sad..... :-(

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jen!

M. said...

Sorry I missed your birthday...So Happy Birthday a bit late! :)

jen said...

hey, thanks for all the birthday well wishes! It was a great day and a great week as your comments all trickled in :) It's good to know you're all out there!