Life as Usual
On the eve of turning thirty, life didn’t move any faster or slower than normal.  The kids still squabbled, teeth were still brushed, books were read, and goodnight hugs were given.  On the eve of turning thirty, I felt much the same as always.  My jeans were a little tighter but my heart was full of love.  On the eve of turning thirty, I realized that 30 isn’t so bad.  I’ve been joking for a full year about whether or not I’d have a mental breakdown when I turned thirty.  While this was all in good fun, the changes that I’ve experienced in the last five years are phenomenal.  I got a bit introspective and here’s what I discovered.
At 30 I am more confident than I’ve ever been before.
I am sure of my path in life as well as the purpose God has for me in raising my babies and being a helpmate to my husband.Â
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Â
At 30 I am comfortable in my own skin.
I have accepted my physical ailments and become proactive in changing things that need to be changed in order to live a more satisfying, active life.Â
Do not let your adorning be external–the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear–but let your adornment be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.Â
At 30 I understand love so much more.
I’ve experienced loss and heartache which has only made my love more profound for those I still have.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Â
At 30 the future does not scare me like it once did.
The uncertainty of what lies ahead is more exciting and less frightening than it was when I was younger.
Have I not commanded you? Â Be strong and courageous. Â Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
While these truths from the bible were true five years ago, they apply to my life differently in each season of my life.  I find that these verses are some that I come back to over and over again.  They comfort me, challenge me, and reassure me in my walk with the Lord.
Did you have a hard time with turning thirty? Â
Do you have certain scriptures that stay with you through different seasons of life? Â Please share them in the comments below!
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Love this, Laura! So thrilled with the wisdom you have gained in the past 5 years. Age is a number and it’s what we do with the time we are given that counts! May your 30th year be blessed beyond measure!
You’ve always been such a wonderful inspiration to me, especially with your philosophy on age! Thanks for guiding me!
I can’t even remember when I was 30!
This made me giggle Andi. Although after 4 children I can say that I can’t really remember when I was 20, so I understand!
Great post and reminder of who we are no matter what age. <3
Thank you Starla 🙂
Love what Kristi said below; age is just a number and it’s what we do with the time that counts! It’s wonderful to have a birthday and be able to feel peace over what you’re doing with your life!
Thank you Kay. Kristi has always been a wonderful inspiration to me with her philosophy about age! When I first met her I was sure she was about my age. While she’s a bit older than I am, she’s certainly wiser in many ways and I love drawing from her wisdom!
Happy birthday!!
Thank you Heather!
30 was awesome for me. You had to be 30 to adopt from China and I couldn’t wait to submit our paperwork! I recently turned 40. It wasn’t quite as exciting! I must say that I am much more comfortable with myself and not concerned about what others think.
What a wonderful way to celebrate turning 30! That’s so wonderful Tara. Isn’t it so freeing to let go of that concern of what everyone else thinks? I wish I would have conquered that earlier in my life!
Laura,
To answer your questions, no, I don’t think I had a hard time turning thirty. But I’ll be forty in a few years and then I might have a hard time :).
Funny you asked about verses, because an ongoing joke in the church I pastor is that I always find a different “favorite verse.” It happens that whatever I’m studying to preach on that week becomes exciting to me, and is my new “favorite.”
So no, nothing comes to mind, but this week is Luke 7:36-47 so I’m sure I’ll find something in there that encourages me greatly.
I have to agree with you! I can find a favorite verse in each thing I encounter. I think that’s one of the things that is so beautiful about God’s word. It’s never changing and yet it can apply to us in each season of life. The message in Luke 7:36-47 is always such a beautiful reminder that our sins are forgiven if we ask.
beautifully said! I did have a REALLY hard time with turning 30. I wish I had embraced it like you did. PS Love that you live in Oklahoma 🙂
Thanks Caroline! I know it can be a hard transition for a lot of people. I’m thankful God helped me overcome some of my apprehensions about it!