The average American woman can expect to live approximately 80 years. Tomorrow I will be 40.
Cue the air horn blast.
IT’S HALFTIME.
Off to life’s locker room for a mid-game analysis, some electrolytes, and a pep talk.
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16)
14,610 days so far. Four whole decades. That’s a significant chunk of time on this blue and green ball. Hundreds upon thousands of moments woven together, forming the narrative of my life.
Something about me — I’m a lyric listener. I appreciate creatively-worded and quotable songs, across all musical genres. “Dear Younger Me” by Mercy Me and “Letter to Me” by Brad Paisley are two such songs. Written from a place of introspection, each artist essentially has a heart-to-heart with his younger self.
Hmm. With half of my life in the rearview mirror, what wisdom would I share with young, naive me?
Probably this (and so much more)…
~God could not fathom eternity without you, so He sent Jesus. Cling to His promises, and trust that you are infinitely loved.
~When you make the cheerleading squad in high school — lead the cheers and root for people. Always root for people. Don’t be a nincompoop.
~Too much sugar and too little SPF — they WILL come back to haunt you. Moderation, my tan piece of candy corn, moderation.
~Say you’re sorry. In that same breath — forgive. Regrets and grudges are far too cumbersome.
~Your grandpa’s handwritten quote will take up residence on your fridge. “Friends are the chocolate chip in the cookie of life.” TRUTH.
~One day you will be frazzled and running late, but you will stop for coffee, and your coffee will spill, and frustration will ensue, but a stranger will say, “If that’s the worst thing that happens to you today, consider yourself blessed,” and it will change you.
~Phones will become smart. Be smarter.
~You will hit the jackpot four times — July 11, 2009; October 4, 2012; August 14, 2014; and February 14, 2017. Just wait until you see what you’ve won.
~Spend more time with the people who have loved you since the beginning. Some of them won’t be around for the second half.
Speaking of the second half… HERE WE GO! It’s time to secure my safety harness as I begin my descent down the the proverbial “hill.” I am pretending it’s a thrilling rollercoaster drop and not some past-your-prime hullabaloo (thankyouverymuch). Hands up… weeeeeeee!
Yup, I will extinguish 40 candles this birthday (my cake will basically be on fire), and I will make my annual wish. I know, I know… I’m not supposed to divulge what it is, but whatevs, I’ll tell you. I am wishing for fruit.
Not apples or strawberries or nectarines or delicious wine-producing grapes. Rather, I am wishing for the type of fruit you find in Galatians 5:22-23. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.
The fruit of the Spirit.
I want it to characterize my life. I want to live in accordance with His design.
I want the remainder of my days to be worthwhile and full. I want to write an amazing love story with my husband; raise up our children; watch our children raise up their children; put miles on my running shoes; have gray-haired adventures with my girlfriends; slow down and simplify; and love like crazy.
Then, when my game clock expires and the air horn blasts again — I’ll be off to heaven’s locker room for a grand party in paradise.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” (Mae West)